The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) held its graduation ceremony over the weekend, celebrating the accomplishments of the Grade 12 students who are moving on to the next stage of their lives. That included a cap-and-gown ceremony at Affinity Place, along with a community parade.
James Jones, the principal of the ECS, says the event went well with a bit of extra help included.
"The graduation ceremony was hosted in coordination with the Energy City Ex for the second year. The City of Estevan, all the organizers behind the scenes did a tremendous job. It was a very successful day. It was a great opportunity to recognize our graduating class. We had 169 graduates who walked the stage."
Jones says his favourite part of the ceremony was getting to hear the future plans of all the graduates, and he says he's confident those students will go on to do great things.
The graduates were able to meet the community at more than just their ceremony, as a parade had them appear on a float earlier in the week.
Jones thanked the organizers of that event and all the others that go on around Estevan to celebrate those graduates.
"We were fortunate that this year, the Smile Services Parade was able to incorporate our graduates there on that Thursday evening, so that was definitely a highlight, and I know that the parent plan portion of events, there's lots of events that go on in the community and around the Estevan area to celebrate our graduates. So, we are very fortunate to have a very engaged and involved group of parents."
He also thanked Deanna Tarnes, along with all the other grade 12 and grade 11 parents who helped pull the ceremony off.
As those Grade 12 students move forward into another part of their lives, Jones wants them to know that they have the support and encouragement of the ECS.
"On behalf of the staff and students here at ECS, we wish those Grade 12s all the best in their future endeavours. We know that their time here at ECS has hopefully provided them with some foundational skills that will serve them well in life beyond high school, and we're looking forward to hearing all of the great stories and all of the things that they do out in the community and workforce and post-secondary endeavours."
Other events on the day of the grad ceremony included the grad photo at the Estevan Courthouse, a grand march and dance after the ceremony.