It’s been a year full of milestones, changes, and memories for the graduating class of 2025 at Shevchenko School in Vita, and as they get ready to walk across the stage, there’s a strong sense of pride in the air.
With 27 students graduating, one of the school's larger classes in recent years, Principal Penny Hovorka-Alcock says this year’s group has left a strong impression.
“They're a very nice group,” she said. “We've had two years in a row of really good students. Some are heading off to university, four or five, and others are going into trades or straight to work. A pretty typical mix, but they’re doing it their way.”
Alcock says that this year’s graduates are also shaking things up when it comes to tradition.
While the ceremony itself will still take place at the school on Friday, June 20, at 3 p.m., the grads voted to hold their banquet and safe grad at the Friedensfeld Community Centre instead of staying local.
Valedictorians Brylie Woods and Nathan Klassen note that their choosing Friedensfeld for the banquet wasn’t just about preference; it was about accessibility and inclusion.
“One of our classmates has a sibling who uses a wheelchair,” said Brylie. “Friedensfeld has amazing wheelchair access. Vita doesn’t quite have that, so it was an easy decision.”
Woods and Klassen echo the sense of leadership and unity that Principal Alcock is talking about. Both were nominated and voted in by their peers. Nathan was originally elected alongside another student, who later stepped down, making room for Brylie to step into the role.
“It was very, very exciting, and a little surprising, to be chosen,” Brylie said with a smile. “I was the next candidate, and the class voted for me.”
Nathan said being selected was “an honour,” and he’s proud to represent the class.
The two also shared some of their favourite high school moments.
For Brylie, it was all about basketball. “It’s one of my favourite sports. I really enjoyed playing it with my classmates,” she said.
Nathan's highlight came on the soccer field. “In 2024, our soccer team won the banner,” he said. “We played against Dufferin Christian in Carmen. It was a crazy game, one of my best memories.”
Outside of school, these grads have plans, though they’re taking different paths. Brylie is hoping to land a full-time job at Bethesda Hospital in Materials Management, after working there last summer.
She explains her job, “We receive packages the hospital needs and distribute them to other hospitals or care homes. I really enjoyed it, and I’d love to do it again.”
Meanwhile, Nathan has applied to work with the Green Team at Roseau River Park. “I'll be mowing lawns, painting, and maintaining the campground,” he said. As for future schooling? “No plans yet, I'll probably take a couple of years and then decide.”
When asked what advice they had for their fellow grads, Brylie shared, “Keep going, even when it gets hard. You’ll feel so accomplished when it’s over.” Nathan added, “Don’t be afraid to fail. The fear of failure is what holds you back from success.”
As for thank-yous, Brylie wanted to recognize all the teachers. “They’ve put up with us for so many years,” she said with a smile.
Nathan gave a special shout-out to their coach. “Mr. Lavery coached us, even though he was injured and couldn’t make the final soccer game. We kind of won it for him. He was an inspiration.”
Principal Hovorka-Alcock says she’s confident this group is ready for whatever comes next.
“Every year, I tell our grads, go with what your heart is telling you and don’t give up. If someone tells you no, ask yourself what you can do to turn that no into a yes. Keep working at it.”
She also pointed out the leadership shown by students in organizing their grad and fundraising in new ways, as well as success in local competitions.
“We had three grads place first, second, and third in the Youth Entrepreneur Challenge in the RM of Piney,” she said proudly. “But each of our graduates has different strengths, and there’s a lot of potential here. I really hope some of them stay in our community.”
With diplomas on the horizon and big dreams in motion, the Shevchenko Class of 2025 is stepping into their future with pride, purpose, and plenty to celebrate.
Convocation of the graduating class of 2025 for Shevchenko School is on Friday, June 20th, in Vita.
Shevchenko School in Vita is part of the Borderland School Division.