Neelin graduates ready for next step

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This article was published 27/06/2018 (2719 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A round of applause erupted through the stands as Gary Xie offered his final words to the graduating class of École secondaire Neelin High School.

“Once a Spartan, always a Spartan,” the 2018 valedictorian proclaimed to his fellow classmates.

Moments after, Xie and the dozens of other graduates from Neelin moved their tassels from right to left before ceremoniously tossing their caps in the air as hundreds of others have done before them.

More than 110 students from Neelin marked the end of their high school years on Tuesday with a graduation ceremony in the gymnasium of Brandon University’s Healthy Living Centre.

Friends and family applauded the graduates as they walked up one by one to receive their diplomas.

For some, few words could describe exactly how they felt about finally graduating, but one in particular seemed to stand out.

“Surreal,” said 18-year-old Deidra Traverse, who will attend BU in the fall to study business.

The feeling was echoed by Natalie Martin, an honour roll student who will head to the University of Victoria to study psychology.

“Kind of surreal actually,” she said. “You know you always expect this day to come, but then it kind of just sneaks up on you.”

B.C. may be far from home for Martin, but the 18-year-old said she has been there many times before to visit family and was excited to be doing something new.

She was especially grateful for the support she received from her teachers at Neelin.

“They were always there for you whenever you really needed it and I think that they embodied the spirit that Neelin … exudes,” she said.

“They really … help you form into the person you are today, so definitely the teachers.”

The graduates were congratulated by representatives from the Brandon School Division, the board of trustees and their school principal.

Trustee Pat Bowslaugh told the class that she was confident their activities in the world would make a difference for others, while Supt. Marc Casavant lauded the students’ achievements as “most commendable.”

“Today is your day,” he said. “You have all made great accomplishments and achievements to get here and there are many days and years ahead for you to even do greater things.”

Principal Ken Seekings told the graduates they were “much more than grade point averages, inspired performances and championships.

“This group of individuals is not unique in what they accomplished, but how they accomplished it,” he said.

As he parted ways with the Grade 12 students, Seekings offered them a challenge in their post-high school years.

“Rather than be the best in the world, strive to be the best for the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Xie, after thanking the teachers and parents for always being there for them, commended each of the graduates for their individual successes.

“Though our time at Neelin has come to an end, graduation is only a stepping stone to a whole new chapter of our lives. I am certain that each and every one of your futures will be bright,” he said.

“And remember, you are the leaders of tomorrow. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.”

» mlee@brandonsun.com

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