Special Features - Elk Valley Graduation 2015

GraduationKeepsaKe

Elkford Secondary Page 2 | Sparwood Secondary Page 4 | Fernie Secondary Page 8 | Fernie Academy Page 14

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C2 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2015

Well Done!from Dr. Soetaert & staff at the

LerouxClinic

to the graduates of 2015

Congratulations

592 2nd Ave, Downtown Fernie 250.423.3736

BESTWISHES!Here’s hoping your graduation day exceeds your greatest expectations! May all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Dr. Jensen,Drs. KahaneDr. Peach & Staff 292 - 2nd Ave Fernie (250) [email protected] www.kahane.ca

Elkford Secondary

School

WAY TO

GO!

Congratulations to the 2015 Graduates!

Tyler AthertonJacob Atherton Daylen Bidinger Fred Fisher Heather GreerMichelle Gamache

Principal’s Message

Graduation is such a special occasion. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, the actualization of goals attained and the acknowledgement of successes achieved. On

behalf of all ESS staff, Erin Hay our vice principal and I, we extend sincere congratulations to the graduates on their successful completion and accomplishments of their high school education and wish them success with their post-secondary endeavours.

Graduation may be met with both enthusiasm and anxiety. It is a time of excitement as opportunities are available for those who wish to travel; go into the workplace or continue with college or university.

My own children loved Dr Seuss. In the book, Oh The Places You’ll Go, he wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the person who will decide where to go”.

Whatever path you may choose, school graduations are special occasions and it is fitting that we gather as a community to celebrate. We wish you success and hope you will represent not only you and your family but also Elkford Secondary school and our community as you move forward to the next stage of your lives.

Please remember all your family, friends and teachers who assisted you to make your graduation possible.

Have a safe graduation so that the lasting memories are pleasant and treasured.~ Doug Bolander

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C3

Celebrate, stay safe and enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it!

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates!

12 Water StreetP.O. Box 36Elkford, BC V0B 1H0

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Phone: 250-865-2223Fax: 250-865-7515Website: www.usw7884.com

Local 7884

ConGRRRRatulations!

Best wishes to the graduating class of 2011 from the Mayor, Council and Staff at the District of Elkford. www.elkford.ca

Best wishes to the graduating class of 2015 from Mayor, Council and Staff at the District of Elkford.www.elkford.ca

Samuel HubbardKeegan Horwath Anna Klippenstein Talin Loran Duncan McCrackenSeena Luciak

Christopher TuusaSacha Tremblay Bryce WittfothThai-Lynn Windler Taylor Wurmlinger

Kevin ParkMorgan Mudge William Ratudradra Lindsy Sedrovic Yong Shin Malik Tracey

Marian B. GravelleNotary PublicMarian B. GravelleMarian B. Gravelle

Sparwood Offi ce:114 Centennial SquarePhone: 250-425-2114Fax: 250-425-2204

Fernie Offi ce:78 Ridgemont Drive Phone: 250-423-2161

Fax: 250-423-6149

Congratulations A� the be� in � e futu�

250-425-4401Owners Patsy & Richard Boivin

Best Wishesto All theGrads of

2015!

We deliver to all Elk Valley communities.250.425.0222 Sparwood buds&[email protected]

Buds&BloomsExtraordinary Flowers & Gifts


Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015

Valedictorian’s Message

Sparwood Secondary

School


It seems like we were just starting the year and here we are celebrating Sparwood Secondary School’s Class of 2015, as they plan the next step of their future. The grad parent committee has been working very hard to prepare for this

year’s Grad. The Grad Banquet will take place at the Sparwood Leisure Centre on May 29 at 6:00 pm, and The Class of 2015 Commencement Ceremony will take place May 30 at 6:00 pm, also at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.

Congratulations to Jared Willett, who will represent SSS Class of 2015 as Valedictorian!

The class of 2015 is a small but versatile group of students. They are athletically inclined, they are academically inclined, and they are artistically inclined. At Sparwood Secondary we believe in lifelong learning, and every year our graduation class leaves with the knowledge that they have not only graduated but they are prepared to deal with change in this ever-changing world. Class of 2015 you have made us proud. Your future experiences will be filled with new choices, but I ask you to remember your roots. Be proud of where you came from. Keep the memory of your graduation ceremony with you always.

GRADS!! On behalf of the administration and staff of Sparwood Secondary School, as well as all the other teachers who have contributed to your education, I would like to offer the Sparwood Secondary Class of 2015 our congratulations.

GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!! REMEMBER, PLEASE HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE GRADUATION.

~ Frank Sopko

Going against three other valedictorian candidates, Jared Willett said he was thankful to be picked to represent Sparwood Secondary School’s 2015 graduating class.

“I think each and every one of us deserved it,” he said. Looking back at his four years at the local high school, Willett

said one of his fondest memories was their senior year prank, where students decided to park “wildly” in the parking lot for a few days, until Vice Principal Michael Kelly warned the students that all vehicles would be towed unless they were moved immediately. The Grade 12 students were forced to move their vehicles while the rest of the school watched.

Raised in Sparwood, Willett said he hopes to return to the mountain community after trades training.

“The trades are in huge demand here with the mining and mining contractors, so I think it’s really important to help out and support trades locally,” he noted.

The grad was recently accepted into the electrician apprenticeship program at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook and will be taking the next step towards his future on August 4.

“I want to find a company in the valley that will sponsor me, so I’ve been looking,” he said.As for why Willett wants to stay in Sparwood, the home-grown senior said, “I’ve been raised my

whole life in Sparwood. Everybody knows each other. You know everybody.”Although he’ll be leaving Sparwood Secondary School behind, Willett said he will be taking his

memories of a supportive staff and friendly students with him.“I’m going to miss the majority of the staff and being able to build great relationships with the

majority of teachers,” said Willett. “The staff spend the time learning about you on an individual basis.”~ Jared Willett

Hailey BodieMadison Allen Austin Clark Ryan Clark Andrew CoombsKayleigh Cook

Sparwood - 2-101 Red Cedar Dr. 250-425-6489 Trista SergeantJason Prince

Congratulations to our grads!

Tanner Ryrie

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C5

Samaya DyerBen Doratty Brett Engel Emily Fehr Nickolaus GoettingJeffery Forrester

SPARWOOD • 250-425-7738

You Did It!!!Enjoy every moment of this

special time as you celebrate with family and friends, best

wishes from everyone at

SPARWOOD • 250-425-7738

with family and friends, best wishes from everyone at

CLASS OF

2015STEEL LTD.

Your graduation is a great achievement, but this is just the beginning. Your future will be fi lled with goals, dreams,

challenges, and opportunities that will bring you fulfi llment and help you make a positive difference in the world.We wish you good luck as you start a new chapter of your lives and hope you fi nd yourselves along the way.

Congratulations graduates!The District of Sparwood wishes you

the best of luck in the future.

Hailly HarderDillan Halko Curtis Hawley Alex Isaacs Morgan KleinSam Keizer

Justin MontgomeryBrendan Kutzner Ethan Musil Jazzelyn Patten Emily PeeblesMackenzi Payette

250-425-7772Sparwood BC

We are so proud of you, Grads!

Garrett Ready Mix is a division of Interoute Construction Limited

250-425-7772

of you, Grads!Congratulations

to all the hardworking

graduates in the Elk Valley!

From the staff at the Sparwood Public Library

Hats off to the Graduates!

Well done, Grads! May your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles!

2015


Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015

Congratulations to the graduates of 2015.Wishing you all the best, whatever your future may hold

Special congratulations to Karlie Sundstromand Hailly Harder!

743 Douglas Fir Rd, Sparwood250-425-6535

#1 Front Street, Elkford 250-865-4622

Trista SergeantTyler Sadler Ethan St Jean Kasia Still Cassandra ThummererKarlie Sundstrom

Missing from photos:

Katie Martin

Kyra von MattKelsey Vanier-McCallum Jared Willett Kaitlyn Wittfoth

Urban RamchukJason Prince Brayden Reedy Dustan Roach Tanner RyrieMorgan Rowlinson

Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C7

Past Graduations

The Fernie Academy

Fernie Secondary

Sparwood Secondary

Elkford Secondary

2012

2011

2014

2010

2013

2014

2014

2011

2011

20122013

2010

2012

20132012

2010

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. –

Emerson

FernieCHAMBEROF COMMERCE Hwy. 3, Fernie • 250-423-6868

to All 2015 Grads!

2015 Youth Achievement AwardProudly sponsored by the City of Fernieand the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Kyle!

From The Free Press staff


Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015

792 2 Ave, Fernie, BC • 250-423-4607Justina HutchinsonJustina HutchinsonKyra Kallies

From all the staff at

The 2014/2015 school year is nearly behind us – and I must say it has been quite a ride. From the less-than-ordinary school start-up, to the many new faces joining the FSS Staff, to the mildest

winter I have ever encountered, this school year was unique to say the least.What wasn’t unique, however, was the vibrant and energetic

atmosphere that continues to make FSS a great place to work and learn. We have enthusiastic and talented students who are learning and growing and a staff that takes great pride in guiding students on their path to graduation. Mr. Baty and his students have done an outstanding job of showcasing these

talents as well as capturing the colourful personalities and numerous events that have helped to make the past ten months memorable. As you turn the pages of your yearbook I hope you are reminded that Fernie Secondary

continues to be a place where we celebrate successes, learn from mistakes and nurture a sense of community.

~ Bill Johnson

It’s exciting and slightly overwhelming to think about what awaits us after we leave high school, and for many of us, our hometown Fernie. Our memories from the past six years however, I am

sure will never leave us. Reminiscing about some of those moments, it’s hard to even imagine that I’m anything but a grade seven student walking through the halls of FSS for the first time. Although if anything’s changed since those first days, it’s the friendships we’ve created amongst each other and the large supporting family we’ve developed, making our memories from high school in many ways more about the people than anything else. Having grown up with these individuals, I can assure you that they are all capable of many more commendable achievements and I hope that they take every opportunity that is presented to them. While there have certainly been moments of stress, panic and long nights for all of us

working hard towards graduation, I know I can speak for my class and say that when we look back, the great times vastly surpass the less enjoyable. As the school year comes to an end lets take the time to cherish our final memories and laughs together, and also recognize all those who have helped us get to where we are today. To all the parents, teachers, principals, and coaches who have been strong influences in each of our lives, assisting, loving, and encouraging us along the way, we give a heartfelt thank you. I am truly honoured to be the recipient of the title Valedictorian amongst such an

incredible grad class. Graduation is an exciting time, as it’s not only a celebration of our completion of high school, but also the beginning of an adventure filled with new opportunities and accomplishments.

Congratulations grads of 2015!~ McKinley Richards

Valedictorian’s Message

Fernie Secondary

School


overwaitea fernie

6x3

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C9

www.cotr.ca

The Board of Governors and Employees of College of the Rockies congratulate all secondary school graduates. We wish you well in all your future endeavours!

Hats off to theClass of 2015!

Thea GimardEaston Elia Kyle Goertzen Tyson Gredzuk Megan HammerAndrea Byrne

Bailee Harris Danielle HutchinsonBenno Hart Justina Hutchinson Ryley Johnson Maxwell Johnston

Cameron BirchCourtney Bell Jayde Borgen Brooklynn Borys Tyler BushSerena Anderson

Fernie Mountain LodgeEach Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

Wishing all graduates happiness and

success in the future!

1622-7th Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-5500 • Toll Free: 1-866-423-5566

www.bestwesternfernie.com

6165 Brenners Road, Fernie - 250-423-9211

On your graduation day, we’d like to congratulate you and wish you the

best of luck on the road ahead.

Congratulations!

Associated with Legacy Auto Group Creating O� o� unitiesGrad

uatin

g Clas

s

classof2015

You Made It!

2015

CONGRATULATIONS

You Made It!

Jayde Borgen on receiving the 2015 McDonald’s Employee Scholarship Award.



Jacob Maple-FoldenHudson Malmas Jordon Marcer Brittany Mitchell Irisa OguraLewis Lum

Robin Petovello Brittany Poirier Austyn Potyok Nolan Rae Katie RobillardMcKinley Richards

Kianna KisyelKyra Kallies Kylee Lampman Austin Lee Madison LewisJennifer Joinson

250.423.3416Fax: [email protected]

Box 16481301 Railway Avenue, FernieV0B 1M0

2015

Pizza & Pasta

Congratulations to the Elk Valley's Class of 2015!

Best of luck for the future.Pizza and wings –

the perfect grad party food!

1221 7th Avenue, Hwy 3 Unit B Fernie, BC

250-423-4231www.ferniepizzaandpasta.ca Downtown Fernie www.givershirts.com

Congratulations to all of our Elk Valley

Graduates!

FERNIE 250-423-4467 BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144ELKFORD 250-865-2022

Oh, the places you’ll go...and see!Best of luck in the future!

It’s Your Moment

TO SHINEAll eyes are on you, graduate, as you accept your reward for years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations, and may all of your hopes and dreams come true.

From the management &

staff at

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C11

See the PossibilitiesCongratulations to the Class of 2015

Hannah ThompsonMarlie Stephenson Madison Traverse Adam Van Wijk Braydon VothCurtis Vanghel

Samantha Scheller Tyson Schmidt Amanda Schwarz Halle SoukoroffBrendan Shepherd-House

Gabrielle RunzerBrader RotvoldMontanna Romanda Bannick Madison Ruiter

250.423-3002 Hwy 311:00 am - 10:00 pm DAILYbeside west fernie bridge 250.423.7367

[email protected]

CongratulationsYour hard work has paid off,

and now you are really on your way. We wish you all the best

as you embark on exciting new challenges and adventures. The best is yet to come!



From cards, to fl owers and of course for pre-booking your party platters - WE DO IT ALL!

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

for all your grad party needs!

Extra Foods would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2015 and our grads for their achievements. We wish them all the best!

Call us to place your PLATTER order!

250-423-7387

OPEN: Sunday - Saturday • 8am - 9pmHIGHWAY 3, FERNIE

Cam Birch Nolan Rae

Mollie Wyss-MullinsJessica Wiebe Darcy Zuffa Megan Zuffa

Kristian Walker Colten WebsterSawyer Ward

Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C13

Congratulations

graduates of 2015!

The curtain is rising and a new adventure awaits.

The Free Press


The Fernie Academy Graduation 2015

The Fernie Academy

Our fifth graduating class is comprised of students who attended the Academy from First, Second and Fourth Grades as well as new members who were embraced along the way. Together they have learned,

experimented, travelled and played as they forged their way to this celebration of graduation.

We continue to prepare our graduates for the future and encourage lifelong learning by asking our community of students, their families and our teachers to work together. We have built a strong liberal educational experience emphasizing academics, athletics and arts – many of our busy graduates leave us with over 150 credits, exceeding the 80 required by the Ministry of Education. Academy students are challenged to learn and develop in venues beyond their regular classroom through public speaking, science fairs, debates of topical issues, international travel, local field trips and community

involvement, athletic competitions, school plays, volunteering and raising awareness about those less fortunate.

Our determined team of staff are committed to the complete education of every student. Their care and attention has laid the foundation for the future success of our graduates. I would like to thank and recognize them for their hard work and dedication to each individual student.

As our graduates approach the close of their time at the Academy, I trust that they feel confident and are well prepared to succeed in their chosen fields. We wish all the graduates of 2015, a happy, healthy and prosperous future.

~ Jocelyn Sombrowski

We are challenged every day to become better people not through assignments and exams, but through each other. As we face graduation, we are getting pushed into an uncertain world,

not believing we are prepared. But we are. We have been preparing since we started our adventure at The Fernie Academy. In Trevor and Carter’s case, they walked through the school doors in Grades 1 and 2. We might forget the trigonometric equation, the life cycle of a plant, or the symbols in poems, but we will never forget the lessons they taught us. How the blind writer of Paradise Lost John Milton taught us that we can overcome obstacles and do anything if we set our minds to it. How mathematicians such as Newton and Pythagorus taught us that determination and perseverance can lead to revolutionary discovery. How physicists spent their whole lives mapping the stars to produce equations that make our lives simpler. Scientists taught us to always ask why and how. Writers and poets have taught us about life, love, death, and friendship through the impact of their words. Famous figures like Rosa Parks have taught us about struggle and how one small action can spark a revolution of change.

These are the lessons we will carry with us for the rest of our lives and I thank the teachers, the parents, and friends who have taken the time to show us the way. I want to thank my classmates for molding me into the person I am and teaching me so much these past years.

As Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” said about new adventure: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

~ Sinde’lla Sugden

Valedictorian’s MessageHead of School Message

Congratulations2015 Graduates!Home insurance • Life insurance • Car insurance

FERNIE 691B - 2 Avenue | (250) 423-6831 SPARWOOD 110 Centennial Street | (250) 425-6634

ELKFORD 814 Michel Road | (250) 865-2261300 Manitou Road, Fernie

250-423-4694

The Sky isthe Limit

There’s no stopping you now, graduates! Think big, work hard

and enjoy your success.

City Hall 501-3rd Avenue, Fernie250.423.6817www.fernie.ca

Congratulations to all Elk Valley graduates

From Council & City Staff

Work hard for your goals Stay true to your dreams And never stop learning. from the Doctors and staff of

Sparling EaSt MEdical cEntrE

Best Wishes for All Your Future Endeavours ~ 2015 Grads ~

The Fernie Academy Graduation 2015THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015 C15

Trevor JonesSarina Jeffery Keyten Kunst Carter Nieuwesteeg

652 2nd Avenue, Downtown Fernie, 250.423.7814

Jay’s Jewellers

Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavours!

The Sweet Smell of Success

Fernie Garden Centre

Congrats to all graduating students

Your career choices are limitless!

6283 Olivia Rd., Fernie250-423-3666

Fernie Ready Mix is a division of Interoute Constructi on Limited

Graduates of 2015...“The future belongs to

those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

1650 Railway Ave, Ferniewww.ferniereadymix.caph: (250) 423-6174fax: (250) 423-6251

Monday – Friday, 7 am – 5 pm Follow Your

DREAMS

Today you’ve completed the first step toward

your future goals. Congratulations,

graduate, and best of luck to you!

1791 9 Ave Fernie250-423-4222

Sinde’lla SugdenKatelin Pater Taya Vale Sascha van Zyl

250-423-0007

ElkValleyPizza.com

Take-out or Delivery!

Enjoy anything on our regular menu plus a Soup and Salad Special and Chili with garlic toast.

Beginning June 1stWed. - Sat. from 11:30am

Facebook Giveaways! Help us get to 1000 LIKES.You could win a Gi� Card ($25 & $50) or a Pizza Party ($100 value)!

592 8th Ave.

We know how hard you worked to reach graduation day, and now it’s time to

celebrate your accomplishments. We wish you a happy and successful future.

A message from your teachers, members of the Fernie District Teachers’ Association Local 01

Congratulations to the grads of 2015!


Graduation 2015

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Special Features - Elk Valley Graduation 2015