Twelve years of work was celebrated at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School’s Class of 2023 graduation ceremonies.
“Graduation day is always a really special day. It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate the students in Grade 12, their accomplishments and all the work they’ve put in,” Lindsay Thurber principal Chris Good said at Thursday’s ceremonies at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
“It’s also a time to celebrate the work of our staff and all that they’ve done to support these kids over the last four years, as well as the families and parents for everything they’ve done to support our students as well.
“This is sort of like the turning of a page in a book in some ways. The students have gotten to the end of this path and now they’re all going out on different paths on their own.”
The graduating class’ high school experience was odd compared to many previous graduating classes, Good noted.
“In Grade 9, the school was shut down (due to COVID-19). Grade 10 was very different as well. Grade 11 and 12 we kind of got back to normal, but as a whole every year’s been very different,” said Good.
“I think it’s brought the kids closer together and it’s brought the staff closer together. Now when we get to do these kinds of events, I think we appreciate it a lot more.”
Valedictorian Samuel Bakker said one of his most-cherished high school memories came when students were able to return to class after solely learning online for a period of time.
“Coming back to school after our first semester online is certainly something I’ll never forget,” he said.
This was the first time Lindsay Thurber has held its graduation ceremony at Red Deer Polytechnic. There were two graduation ceremonies to honour the dozens who graduated.
“This is the culmination of 12 years of hard work. It’s fantastic to be here. It’s an honour to represent my peers,” said Bakker, who delivered a speech during both ceremonies.
“The main message I have is to take forward what we’ve learned in high school and to apply it to whatever comes our way. The good and the bad help shape us into the people who are graduating today.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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