Crocus Plains grads urged to ‘pursue their passion’

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This article was published 25/06/2024 (649 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Keystone Centre’s Westoba Place was filled with proud families and friends on Monday afternoon as Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School celebrated the graduation of 252 students.

As the Class of 2024 stepped forward to receive their high school diplomas, the arena echoed with applause and cheers.

Principal Bryce Ridgen, who graduated from Crocus Plains 27 years ago, presided over his first graduation ceremony at his alma mater and tasked the graduates to follow their passions.

“Today, we heard students thanking people and discussing their future career paths,” he told the graduates. “We have graduates exploring trades, academics, medicine — whatever your passion is, explore it fully and commit to it. Do it as well as you can.”

Ridgen said he had no idea what he wanted to do when he graduated from high school, but added: “I believe the graduates find their paths and passion and pursue them fiercely because they will always find success by pursuing passion.”

Valedictorian Finlay Lecheminant delivered a speech filled with humour and gratitude, reflecting on the high school journey.

“If you would have told me a few years ago that I’d have the confidence to get in front of people today, I would have probably said, ‘Who are you?’” Lecheminant joked.

Lecheminant noted that although it had been a challenging year, the experience was invaluable for the future, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.

He encouraged his fellow graduates to set high aims and acknowledged the diverse potential careers among his peers.

“As we move forward, let’s not be afraid to chase greatness,” he told his colleagues. “Embrace change, adapt and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and dance to your own rhythm.”

Among the graduates were several award winners who shared their excitement and plans for the future.

Siya Patel, who received the Governor General’s Award and the Manitoba School Board’s Leadership Award, expressed her surprise and joy at the recognition.

“I feel great because my hard work from the past four years is actually paying off,” Patel told the Sun. “When I was in Grade 9, I was really introverted and didn’t do much. But then I realized that school is more than just about education; it’s about building relationships. By my senior year, I’d learned so much and formed many good relationships. It’s really amazing.”

Regarding her future plans, Patel said she intends to study biology at Brandon University and pursue a career in either education or medicine.

Israel Aderemi-Fawoye, recipient of the Guild Insurance Lend a Hand Scholarship and the Crocus Plains Gold Medal for Achievement in Athletics and Academics, emphasized the value of hard work.

“When you’re working hard, you know you’re doing it, and you just hope to get rewarded eventually,” he told the Sun. “I am excited that I’m getting rewarded for it.”

Aderemi-Fawoye said he intends to study kinesiology at the University of Manitoba before pursuing a career in medicine.

In his address to the grads, Brandon School Division Supt. Mathew Gustafson highlighted the importance of efficacy — believing in one’s ability to produce desired results.

“Efficacy is a lot about having confidence in yourself. Your actions can shape the path that lies ahead of you and influence the community that you live in,” Gustafson said. “By working together to achieve our goals and solve problems, we can create a community that values well-being.”

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