With 118 names on the class list, graduates from William E. Hay Composite High School in Stettler were honoured and encouraged to “Hold on to the Memories” during ceremonies Saturday night at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
“Take your memories and take them wherever you go,” principal Norbert Baharally said. “Cherish the good memories — and always learn from your memories.”
He encouraged graduates to strive for their potential and appreciate all who have helped along the way.
“All things are possible for those who believe,” Baharally said.
A special musical tribute was performed by three graduates, Tara Kruk, Janea Kopp and Sherri Langford, who sang “I Hope You Dance.”
Ceanna McArthur, Maddie Hall and Mark Forrester presented a humorous history of growing up through the grades, from kindergarten to Grade 12.
For supporting their children in the class of 2013, Ally Dittrick thanked the parents on behalf of her colleagues.
“Thank you for raising us into who we are today,” Dittrick said.
“You taught us to crack open a book and study and remind us to plod on.”
To return that thanks, Dave and Patty Dittrick gave the parents’ reply.
Patty Dittrick, a Clearview School Division trustee, briefly choked with emotion as she began the speech with her husband.
“We appreciate what you have accomplished and we have tried to give our support.”
They urged the graduates to think big.
“Endure all the opportunities — experience the thrill of success.”
Class valedictorian Jeff Martin shared the final word with a brief address in the compact 90-minute ceremony.
A full account of the ceremony, with speeches and photos, is contained in the special graduation section in today’s paper.
Keeping with tradition, and with the rink decked out like a ballroom, the ceremonies culminated as graduates performed the grand march. This year, they marched to music composed by Cameron Ambrose, a William E. Hay graduate in 1988.