Neelin High School – Students mark special day

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Neelin High School students beamed on stage as the class of 2011 looked out at applauding parents, teachers and friends at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Tuesday afternoon.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/06/2011 (5424 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Neelin High School students beamed on stage as the class of 2011 looked out at applauding parents, teachers and friends at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Tuesday afternoon.

Alexis Ingram wore a nervous smile while she waited for her family. Her plans for a 2008 graduation went off track when she had her daughter, but she came back to finish the diploma this year.

"I actually never thought this would happen," she said.

Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun
Neelin High School’s graduating class of 2011 assemble on the main stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Tuesday afternoon.
Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun Neelin High School’s graduating class of 2011 assemble on the main stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Tuesday afternoon.

She admitted the large crowd was making her anxious, but she braved the discomfort to mark the special day.

Her mother, Patricia Wentzel, was bursting with pride. She was already feeling emotional Tuesday morning when Alexis got ready for the event.

"She went to get her hair done and I started crying. I thought, OK, if I’ve got to do this, I’m going to need more sleep," she said.

Classmate Laura Popplestone was already wearing her yellow grad dress underneath her school colours. As she posed for photos outside, she said she could hardly wait to celebrate.

"It went by so fast, it’s just unreal that it’s actually here."

Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun
Helen Sawatzky adjusts the hat of her grandson, Nathan Sawatzky-Dyck, on Tuesday afternoon during Neelin High School’s graduation ceremonies.
Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun Helen Sawatzky adjusts the hat of her grandson, Nathan Sawatzky-Dyck, on Tuesday afternoon during Neelin High School’s graduation ceremonies.

Popplestone plans to study science at Brandon University.

The close-knit nature of the high school class was reflected by the heartfelt words from teachers, and performances by the grad choir and Neelin’s Simple Green singing group.

As each student walked to receive their diploma, there were a few tearful smiles in the crowd and on stage. Principal Michael Adamski moved the tassels on each of their caps to signify their graduation.

He hugged a few students and joked with them as they posed for photos. It was a ceremony without the formality, as many audience members cheered loudly or waved to their grad.

Adamski addressed the class with a message of school pride and tradition, listing their accomplishments and acknowledging their future.

Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun
A student reacts to a call to enter the main stage at the WMCA.
Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun A student reacts to a call to enter the main stage at the WMCA.

"Always remember: Once from Neelin, always from Neelin," he said.

Eighty-eight Neelin students graduated Tuesday afternoon.

Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun
Alexis Ingram awaits the start of ceremonies.
Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun Alexis Ingram awaits the start of ceremonies.
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