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Pride shines through for Ponoka Secondary Campus grads

Convocation ceremony was held June 3 at Ponoka Stampede Grounds
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(Photos by Emily Jaycox/Ponoka News)

Much like the resiliency of the graduating class of 2022 itself, a little rain and wind didn’t stop Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) from holding their convocation ceremony at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds on June 4.

As it had been three years since the school had been able to hold a regular grad ceremony, that wasn’t six grads crossing the stage at a time, or parents watching from the parking lot, PSC principal Kathy McTaggart said she’d “take it,” inclement weather and all.

McTaggart’s message to the grads was to, “Love the stage you’re in. Apparently it just keeps getting better.”

An invocation was given by Youth Unlimited pastor Jerel Peters.

Town of Ponoka Coun. Teri Underhill and Montana Cree Nation Coun. Carol Rabbit also addressed the graduates and their families.

A large crowd filled the grandstand to near capacity for the ceremony, showing the support for the grads from their family, friends and community.

Based on the number of people in the stands, many people were proud of the graduates, said Wolf Creek Public Schools superintendent Tim De Ruyck.

De Ruyck added that while people tend to have a support system, in the end, success comes down to them.

He said it’s fine to know what your plans are, and it’s fine if you’re still figuring that out.

“What you feel your pathway is may change. This is normal and is also fine,” he said.

He encouraged the grads to challenge themselves but to also also maintain balance and wellness.

Valedictorian Aspen McTaggart thanked the parents and teachers for their support over the years.

She added she believes the class of 2022 was one of the better classes to come out of PSC and that the students had an impact in their own ways.

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Valedictorian Aspen McTaggart
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Ponoks Secondary Campus held their convocation ceremony at the Stampede Grounds on June 4. (Photos by Emily Jaycox/Ponoka News)


Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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