On June 25, the Niverville High School auditorium was filled to capacity as hundreds gathered to celebrate what would prove to be the school’s biggest graduating class yet.

Garbed in traditional black and red, 92 Grade 12 students stepped forward to receive their high school diplomas. That number was up 20 students over last year.

This year marked a first for Paul Grosskopf, who assumed the position of principal last September.

“Our students didn’t just attend school,” Grosskopf said. “They built it with us. They asked big questions leading to hard conversations and found a place, not just in the classrooms, but in a culture… You’ve shown us what’s possible when we support each other, believing in each other and ourselves. You’re the heartbeat of this school and the promise of this town. Wherever your next steps take you, never forget that you were shaped by a village that believes in you still.”

Hanover School Division (HSD) board trustee Dallas Wiebe gave a brief presentation, acknowledging the incredible achievements made by this year’s grad class. He pointed out two for special mention.

Edlynne Paez took an active role in leadership throughout her high school career, sitting on the HSD and provincial student advisory councils. Earlier this year, she was invited to Ottawa to present at the Youth Nuclear Peace Summit.

Paez was the recipient of the Loran Scholarship Award, valued at over $100,000.

In a similar vein, Emily Plessis made an impact closer to home.

“I read earlier today about her passion for spending time with the elderly,” Wiebe said. “Her care and compassion should inspire all of us who have loved ones to care for.”

Special guest speaker at this year’s event was Mark Eichhorst, alumni of Niverville Collegiate Institute. His career spanned 34 years working as a diplomat for the Canadian government, serving in posts across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

“My challenge to the group that already has [post-secondary] plans, don’t forget about this incredible little town, the values and connections and friendships you have developed during your time here,” Eichhorst said. “They are extremely valuable and will come in handy down the road.”

By the same token, he reminded students not to get stuck in their small town but to explore the world beyond Niverville and Canada and allow that experience to shape them.

“Look for opportunities to spend a bit longer somewhere, to really get to know the people,” he continued. “Study exchanges or work abroad programs are excellent options.”

For those still unsure of their future career paths, Eichhorst suggested that they take plenty of time to try out a variety of jobs before making a choice. Eichhorst admitted to working as a heavy machine operator, a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesperson, a substitute teacher, and a tree planter, among a variety of other jobs, before becoming a diplomat.

Chosen by her peers to represent them as valedictorian was Emily Plessis.

Plessis encouraged her fellow graduates to view this day as a beginning rather than an end. 

“We could sit and think of all the things that are coming to an end today, but we are much better off thinking of all the new moments we will create in the years to come,” Plessis said. “Every memory, lesson, and challenge adds up to who we are now. This is something worth pausing to appreciate and acknowledge before rushing into the next steps of life.”

Plessis briefly took the class down memory lane, regaling them with the many ways in which they had built bonds over their years of schooling together.

“What makes this class really special isn’t just our fun energy,” she said. “It’s the beautiful way that we exist together… We didn’t always have the same interests or friends, but even in those differences we found connection… It didn’t stop anyone from giving help and support to someone who needed it… We always found ways to lift one another up.”

NHS Awards

The school’s administration was proud to distribute $26,000 in scholarships and awards this year.

Eighteen students were selected from the grad class to receive 21 awards offered by various individuals and organizations.

The most prestigious of awards, the Governor General’s bronze medal, was awarded to Sam Huebert.

Awards for $1,000 were presented by the Town of Niverville and the Niverville Credit Union to students Samantha Taylor and Owen Poettcker. The Wiens Young Leader Award of $1,000 does not require postsecondary enrolment and was offered to Delaney Kelly.

Once again, the Grant family provided two $1,000 scholarships in honour of their sons David and Andrew. The recipients were Evgenii Slesarchuk and Chloe Jeung. Preference for these awards were given to students taking ongoing studies in the sciences and the trades.

This year’s $1,000 Lana Dyck Joy Award, contributed by Mayor Myron Dyck, focused on someone who demonstrates selfless love towards others. It was awarded to Shayna Harnett.

New this year was the Hanover Teachers’ Association Award for $1000, which went to Megan Pinkerton.

The Chown Centennial Entrance Scholarship of $1,000, provided by the University of Manitoba, was extended to Talan Huppe.

Two Niverville Physiotherapy Athletic Awards for $600 each were taken by Madison Williams and Charlee Tannahill.

Four $500 awards were provided by the Ivy Friesen Memorial, Niverville Firefighters, One Insurance, and Future in Trades. The recipients included Brenae Aitken, Brittany Collette, Ava Fast, and Ben Johnson.

The Springfield-Ritchot MLA’s Citizenship Scholarship provided two $500 awards, one to Edlynne Paez and another to Saige Houlbrook. Students Madison Williams and Ava Fast received other $500 awards from the MCC Thrift Store.

New this year was the Betty Harder Community Volunteer Award for $500, given to a student who demonstrated a volunteer spirit in the school and community. This award went to Norah Friesen.

Finally, two $200 awards were provided by the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to students Norah Friesen and Brenae Aitken.