News

Holy Redeemer Graduation

By Mr. Taylor
1 Jun

Despite the drizzling rain, the cold wind, and a little snow, the spirits could not have been higher for the grade 12 students at Holy Redeemer as they participated in the Graduation Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday, May 29 at the Recreation Complex.

The first part of the event-filled day saw the graduating class from HRH don their infamous caps and gowns to accept their diplomas at the ceremony in the afternoon. “This year sees an exceptional group of students graduating from our school,” says Principal Desmond Kilgannon, referring to the nearly 50 students who are members the grade 12 class. “Each student brought something special to our school, and will now have an opportunity to show that special gift to others as they venture out to lives outside of high school.”

Over 550 people joined with the festivities during the ceremony, led by Father Andrew of the Sacred Heart Parish. Father gave a Liturgy that praised the class for all their hard work, and remarked the importance of education in the world. The highlight of the afternoon ceremony saw the students participate in the Light of Learning, where they light a candle and pass the flame to a younger sibling or friend representing the passage of knowledge.

The ceremony ended with the students being awarded their high school diplomas. “It’s great to see every student enjoying that moment on stage,” says Kilgannon. “Each and every one of them has earned it.” Afterwards the students crowded around outside to throw their hats into the air like we have seen with so many classes before them.

After the ceremony the class gathered together for some special photos with family friends before retreating to their homes to prepare for the evening’s event of the dinner and banquet. And by the time 5:30pm rolled around the boys were looking sharp in their tuxedos, and all of the girls looked lovely in their beautiful gowns.

The Masters of Ceremonies for evening were teachers Peter Taylor and Paul Tobin who kept the evening light and funny by telling a number of embarrassing and funny stories about all the graduates, not an easy task when there are nearly 50 of them. Some stories included Jordan Gross’ ability to do magic but unable to stop his hands from shaking, and Alex Chapman tobogganing off his father’s car.

Throughout the evening the graduates performed toasts to thank the many people who helped them over the last twelve years: the teachers, the parents, the support staff, and the school board. Graduates Kristin Scherger and Amy Schwartz even remarked, “It’s always weird how some of our teachers play us Rocky IV montages when there is two minutes left in class,” while at the same time staring at their Social Studies 30-1 Teacher Pat Fogarty.

The banquet also featured a number of short videos that entertained the many family members, friends and dignitaries in the audience. One such video was a singing routine featuring Assistant Principal Diane Williams along with backup singers Dustin Roman, Shane Roman, and Garrett Williams. Compete with wigs, makeup and costumes, the audience cried with laughter at the silliness of the routine, while the foursome looked like they were having a ton of fun.

The main highlight of the banquet came in form of the Valedictorian Address made by Andy Williams. At first, Williams made a few off-hand remarks about MC’s Taylor and Tobin saying, “I know one of you is funny guy and the other is the strong guy, but I always get you two mixed up.” He then made remarks about graduating from Holy Redeemer, “You know you graduated from Holy Redeemer when you have your grad in a curling rink with a bunch of oil riggers in the bar upstairs. And you know you graduated from Holy Redeemer when in a few years who’ll be one of those oil riggers in the bar up stairs.” He also commented on how great everyone looked tonight, when all of a sudden the grad class was treated to a very special guest, Eddy the Squirrel. Eddy brought a special note for Williams to read that included a part about thanking him for allowing Eddy to be Williams’ grad date. “I already have a date,” said Williams. “And it’s a girl. I’m kind of ‘nuts about girls’, if you know what I mean.” Williams then continued by congratulating all the grads on working so hard to get to this special evening, and of course, wished everyone all the best in the future.

“It was best valedictorian speech I’ve ever heard,” says M.C. and HRH Teacher Paul Tobin. “It was creative and absolutely hilarious, but still came with a strong message.”

Overall, the day was filled with many happy moments and fond memories. Each graduate looked their best as family and friends took tons of photos. The curling rink no longer looked like a curling rink, thanks to the fabulous decorating committee led by Jill DePee and Roxanne Scherger. And although the students still have a month of school left, including diploma exams, this day will probably be remembered as one of the happiest moments of their lives.

If you would like more information on this article, please feel free to contact the school at 780-723-7437.