ATHABASCA - Call it a delayed commencement.
Athabasca’s 2020 Edwin Parr Composite School graduates were finally able to celebrate their achievements Sept. 26, and each one really did have their moment in the spotlight, as the ceremony was split into two parts, each with the graduates waiting outside until they were called onto the stage, one at a time, to shake hands with principal Desmond Nolan and receive their diploma.
The smiles and tears and fancy suits and dresses were all still there despite the changes that had to be made to follow health guidelines brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. One-third of the space in the gym was used to accommodate the ceremony with guests entering first and taking their place in front of the stage for pictures. They were followed by the grads who made their way through several balloon-encrusted arches and onto the stage to make it all official.
A handshake and a few pictures later, the grads met their guests behind the stage for more pictures and exited the gymnasium. It all took less than three minutes for each grad to make their way from one door to another.
Another very different aspect of this year’s grad ceremony was that the usual audience was almost all digital as it was streamed on Facebook Live and can still be viewed there on EPC’s dedicated page. There was also a line of vehicles filled with well-wishers outside the gymnasium to cheer on the grads as they entered and exited the building.
Facebook is also where the short messages from principal Nolan, Aspen View Public Schools trustees Dennis MacNeil and Anne Karczmarczyk and Supt. Neil O’Shea were posted throughout the week leading up to the big event.
“The time that you’ve spent here with us has been memorable; we’re very excited to see you off; we’ve talked to many of you in the last couple months and we’re excited to finally get too celebrate with you, in the capacity that we can this Saturday,” Nolan said.
In his video message, MacNeil thanked the class for their understanding of the delay and taking it in stride. He urged them to show gratitude to everyone who has helped them along the way — the teachers and educational assistants, custodians, secretaries and bus drivers who all played a role, especially their parents.
“Although you may feel like you’ve missed out a milestone of a traditional graduation, it’s important for you to know you are unique and you will be known for your resilience,” said Karczmarczyk. “Also remember to focus on what you did have — amazing memories, accomplishments, growing and learning to prepare for just this.”
O’Shea expressed his pride to the class and urged them to be thankful, become awoke and build a community where ever they may find themselves.
He signed off with a quote from S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders as he finished his message to grads: “Stay gold graduating class of 2020, stay gold.”
