SCAP holds graduation ceremony

Vice-principal Kendal Olson welcomed the audience to Sturgeon Crek Alternative Program’s 2001 graduation ceremonies last Tuesday (June 19) at the Sturgeon Creek School gym.
Olson led in prayer to open then exercises, then introduced each item on the evening’s agenda.
Don Ricci first provided a multi-media presentation reflecting on each of the graduates’ lives from the cradle to graduation.
The grade 12 graduates included Jodi Barker, Jaclyn Hart, Clara Linda Krikke, Simeon Nussbaumer, Johannes Jasper VanZwol, and Carrie Vargyus-VanHeyst.
Grade 8 graduates were Anthony Boersma, Alicia Boven, Bethany Friesen, Kevin Friesen, Kathryn Goodman, Grade MacGibbon, Jonathan Mast, Jason Peters, Carly Smart, and Michael Veldhuisen.
The graduating class entered the gym to the traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Trustee Ron McAlister then brought greetings from the Rainy River District School Board and extended congratulations to the students on their achievements.
Simeon Nussbaumer, student council president, delivered a speech reflecting on the students’ accomplishments over the past school year.
Grade eight valedictorians Alicia Brown and Jason Peters delivered addresses of encouragement while the senior valedictorian message was given by Jodi Barker.
Ontario Secondary School diplomas were awarded by Norma Rempel while principal Jerry O’Leary and Olson handed out the grade eight certificates.
Later in the program, Shauna McInerney and Jodi Barker presented special music.
The top academic students were Ryan McInerney (grade nine), C. Whatley (grade 10), Debbie Friesen (grade 11), and Clara Krikke (grade 12).
Several students came forward to receive certificates for being on the honour roll.
Recognition for outstanding achievement in arts was presented to Jaclyn Hart while the student leadership award was presented to Jodi Barker and Simeon Nussbaumer.
Several bursaries also were presented:
•SCAP Faculty–-Johannes VanZwol and Carrie Vargyas-VanHeyst
•Christian Parents’ Association-–Clara Krikke
•Rainy River District Milk Producers (presented by Arnold Kaemingh)–Johannes VanZwol
•T.J. Kaemingh & Sons (presented by Arnold Kaemingh)–Jodi Barker •Emo Feed Service (presented by John Gerber)–Jodi Barker.
John Loewen presented a strict challenge message to the graduates entitled “Roots Run Deep,” reminding students to be alert to our culture’s definition of success.
Loewen had four strong points he recommended to students to follow and focus upon.
Finalizing the evening’s program, the grade 11 worship team presented two musical selections, “God of Wonders” and “This is My Desire.”
Congregational singing was led by pianist Marina Gerber and daughter, Heidi, in “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Shout to the Lord,” the latter recognizing volunteers.
Presentations also were made to principal Jerry O’Leary, who will be retiring, and to Mike McInerney. Parental prayer was given by Margaret Nussbaumer.
After the recessional, a reception was held for everyone, thus ending another SCAP graduation.