Steinbach Regional Secondary School is celebrating 450 students crossing the stage this year.
Vice Principal Greg Sawatzky says this year marks the largest graduating class in SRSS history, and the numbers are expected to keep climbing.
He adds that this graduating class formed a strong bond within the school community.
“I know many have developed strong connections to the various staff members and each other. And because of 450 grads, only a few are unable to make it to grad, that tells me that lots of them have made positive connections in our school and are taking in every last moment.”
While he didn’t get the chance to know every student personally, Sawatzky says the class made an impression with their positive energy.
“There were a lot of fiercely driven people in this class that we know are going to do very well. They're going to be successful. They're hard working. They want to do well. And it's a class that has many positive characteristics, and we're going to miss them a lot, but we're going to be really interested to see where they’re going to go.”
This year, SRSS students have been awarded over $64,000 in scholarships and bursaries.
“I want to say that we're really fortunate to have a supportive and generous community that is willing to recognize the hard work and contributions made by our graduates. And so I want to take the opportunity to let the community know how much we appreciate their support.”
In addition to local awards, SRSS grads have also received over $170,000 in entrance scholarships from post-secondary institutions.
According to Sawatzky, these achievements reflect the dedication students have shown in all areas of school life, from academics to athletics to the arts.
“Our varsity girls won rugby 7s provincial championship. Our varsity boys won a provincial curling championship, and our varsity boys also won zone 13 baseball championships and were finalists at provincials.”
Grade 12 students also brought home multiple medals from the provincial skills competition, including two gold, five silver, and one bronze. Two students advanced to nationals and came back with gold.
In the arts, SRSS had a standout year as well, with three sold-out performances of Elf Junior: The Musical and a perfect score for the senior concert band at the Provincial Music Festival.
“An active group, high achieving group, lots of highlights this year,” says Sawatzky.
As the class of 2025 prepares to move on, Sawatzky says he hopes their time at SRSS was meaningful.
“One of our hopes, aside for providing a solid education is that while they're here, they're able to create some positive memories while coming to the SRSS. And so we hope that they remember their time here fondly, and they continue to stay connected with the school. And of course, we wish them all the best in the next chapter of life.”
Valedictorian Lily Anderson was chosen by both students and staff to represent the graduating class.
“I was a little surprised, but I had a friend who had been calling me her valedictorian all year, so I kind of expected it a little bit, but not a lot.”
She says that it means a lot to represent her fellow graduates.
“I am really excited. It's fun to be able to speak at grad and read a speech and represent them and it's giving me a better connection with all my classmates. And it's been really cool so far. It's a little nerve wracking, but overall it's a good experience.”
Though there are lots of memories throughout high school, Anderson shares that her favourite was class spares and lunch breaks.
“Being able to interact with different people and build closer relationships with my friends and other peers was really nice and I had a good time going out and hanging out with them.”
Her favourite class was Ethics, and Mr. George left a lasting impression.
“I learned a lot. We had some great discussions and if I could have, I would have taken it again. So, it was really good.”
Anderson offers words of encouragement to her fellow classmates.
“Live in the moment, this is a big milestone of our lives. This time of year is really hectic, but it's a really important time and just feel your feelings and let it happen and enjoy it.”
The SRSS graduation ceremony will take place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, beginning at 2 p.m.
With files from Corny Rempel