Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School graduates praised for making community better

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This article was published 28/06/2016 (3597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School graduated hundreds into its alumni on Monday afternoon before a raucous crowd of camera-wielding family and friends that filled the home side of Westman Place.

The red-robed Class of 2016 took nearly two hours to cross the stage, with many punctuating their walk with everything from celebratory “dabs” to waves, thumbs-up and nods to their supporters.

This year was principal Chad Cobbe’s first at the helm of Crocus Plains. He said this year’s grads are defined by the strong, outward-facing community they fostered.

“Crocus faces and meets the challenges it’s surrounded by … it tries to make its surrounding community better,” he said.

Keeping that compassion was what he hoped for the students.

“When you get where you are going, don’t forget to turn around and help the person behind you,” Cobbe said during the convocation ceremony.

Brandon School Division trustee Jim Murray, whose granddaughter was among the grads, advised students to fight complacency and conformity as they enter the workforce, travel the world and pursue further education.

“Don’t accept the world as you find it,” he said.

“It’s OK to change destinations part way through, as long as you do it with confidence,” valedictorian Kendra Jaffray said from the podium.

Jaffray is heading to York University in Toronto to study international development and disaster and risk management.

Kenisha Patel was awarded the year’s Governor General’s Academic Medal after finishing her high school career with an98.2 per cent average.

Patel, who is pursuing a career in medicine, was dubbed a “fine example of courage, empathy and determination,” by ceremony emcee Robert Dinsdale.

Bill and Dorothy Palmer watched their granddaughter Abby Donnelly be presented with her diploma — it’s the 10th such graduation they’ve attended for family.

“We’re so lucky, and there isn’t an ugly one in the bunch,” the beaming grandmother quipped in between photos after the ceremony.

After leaving the stage,Jaffray said she’d remember Crocus Plains by the array of moments she has shared with her peers.

“It doesn’t matter what we’re passionate about, the fact we are passionate is encouraging when I see us leading in the future someday.”

“I’m going to be really proud to see my friends one day and say, ‘Hey, I went to school with them’ and congratulate them on their accomplishments,” she said.

The Class of 2016 grad song, performed by the CP Express, was the Florida rock group Yellowcard’s 2012 song “Here I Am Alive.” Graduates walked out of the arena to “For Good” by Stephen Schwartz and Pharrell’s hit “Happy.”

Crocus Plains math teacherChristopher Sarkonak was presented with the Star Blanket, an honour from the school’s aboriginal community given to a teacher singled out for his or her work.

Sarkonak said he was surprised and honoured by the blanket.

“The thing about Crocus is that kids can go in so many directions, they come out with everything from an academic diploma or they can go straight into auto body or culinary arts or things like that,” he said.

“I’m fortunate enough that once in a while some of the past grads come back and visit, and tell me what they are up to. It’s amazing to hear their stories and have them come back and say hi.”

Kelsey Murdock was in the stands to watch his son Tyler cross the stage.

“It’s touching to see your kids grow up and fulfilling their path in life, it’s something parents dream of,” he said.

Tyler’s path hasn’t been easy.

“Tyler’s a cancer survivor, he’s had a remission — he’s done seven years and we’re very proud that he survived and he’s battled through. He’s our little warrior,” his father said.

“We are so glad to have him with us, (today) is a milestone we’ll cherish forever.”

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