Sioux Valley grads reach ‘finish line’

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This article was published 25/06/2025 (319 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sioux Valley High School celebrated their “tight-knit” graduating class of 10 students on Wednesday at The Backyard on Aberdeen in Brandon.

The beating sound of a drum filled the air as the Class of 2025 walked out in their caps and gowns.

The students stood side by side as their loved ones proudly cheered and hollered.

The graduating class included Jayda Beardy, Rylie Bell, Sydney Blacksmith, Bradley Bone, Aaron Elk, Memphis Taylor, Feather Smoke, Meadow Leaming, Cynthia Noel and Marcus Ironman.

Once the excitement had slightly settled, the official ceremony started with a prayer from Kusni (Elder) Joyce followed by a speech from principal Deborah Asidao.

“You reached the goal set before you from a very young age,” Asidao said. “Throughout your journey in school, you have grown, learned and evolved into creative, curious and compassionate individuals.”

She reminded the students to stay dedicated to their beliefs as they decide what the next chapter of their lives will look like.

Asidao told the students she was “incredibly proud” of them and that having the chance to speak at their graduation brought tears to her eyes.

“You are indeed our future, and you were chosen and created for such a time as this. Nothing is by accident or coincidence. Everything has a purpose. Know what yours is.”

Before wrapping up her speech, Asidao shared a few lessons she hoped the students would keep in their minds. She told them to be patient, kind and empathetic to everyone, to always think critically and find the truth before making decisions, and lastly, to always work hard.

“I hope that you know how special each and every one of you are, and how you have all made an impact on me as your principal this year,” she said.

Asidao told the Sun that while she has worked in education most of her life, this was her first year as principal at the high school and her first graduation ceremony as principal, making this year extra special.

Chief Vincent Tacan shared how proud he was of all the Sioux Valley graduates.

“I can’t smile anymore. My face just seeing all the grads, from the mature high school, to you guys, to the loved ones, my cheeks are wore out,” Tacan said with a smile.

Tacan told the graduates to remember they have a whole community behind them in support.

“Look at everybody around you. Everybody in this room is so proud of you right now. This is something that you’ve achieved, something that you’ve worked for, something that you’re going to take with you for the rest of your life,” he said.

Tacan ended his speech with some humour as he reminded the students the youth are the future and that one of them is probably going to look after him in the lodge someday.

Sioux Valley Coun. Melissa Hotaine acknowledged that the students have probably heard or will hear many congratulations, but said it will never be enough for the accomplishments they have made.

“We are all so proud of you,” she said. “Remember those times, remember those important memories, because those are things that are going to last a lifetime as you go forward.”

She emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the graduates to continue their learning journey through post-secondary education.

After the graduates were presented with their diplomas, valedictorian and Governor General’s Academic Award recipient Meadow Leaming took the stage with tears in her eyes.

“Here we are standing at the finish line of high school and the starting line of something new,” Leaming said. “To everyone graduating today, we’ve all been through something. We’ve all had our reasons to give up, but we didn’t. We persevered, we overcame and we’re here together because we never let those bad days define the whole story.”

She said her friends and teachers who always believed in her are what got her through high school.

Leaming said she set the goal to be valedictorian in a joking manner a few years ago, never really believing it was something she could accomplish, but now she stood on the stage having achieved her goals.

Leaming also thanked her mom, Roxanne Gott, for always being there for her to motivate her when she needed it.

Gott told the Sun that she is incredibly proud of her daughter for her accomplishments. She said she had no doubt Leaming would be valedictorian since she kept her grades up and was always responsible.

As a single mother, she said she always encouraged Leaming to focus on her education and career.

While Leaming is taking the year off to focus on working, she said she plans to go to university.

» sanderson@brandonsun.com