By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Just as they pledged, Davidson School’s class of 2015 has already made history, as the smallest graduating class the school has seen in almost 60 years.
The class — with a total of seven students, all girls — held its graduation exercises in the school gymnasium on Saturday, May 16, before a packed house of friends, family, teachers and classmates.
But as guest speaker Karen McConnell said during the ceremony, “You ladies have left a mark far larger than the number of you.”
Expressing disbelief that the seven students, once awkward Grade 7 students struggling with their lockers, were now finished at Davidson School and on their way to adulthood, McConnell shared memories of her time teaching and coaching the girls, and left them with some sincere advice.
“You have one life, don’t play it safe,” she said. “What does your gut tell you? Follow your gut, it’s smarter than your head most of the time.”
Principal Jason Low also addressed the students, offering 10 pieces of advice he had learned over the years, and thanking those in the audience for taking the time to attend despite the busyness of the season.
“I know that seeding time is precious in our unpredictable part of the world and is crucial in ensuring a bountiful harvest,” he said. “As we sit here tonight, I think we are celebrating the greatest harvest you will ever have.”
Teacher Karielle Willner served as master of ceremonies for the 90-minute program, while Paulette Killoh led the processional, introducing each student as they entered and accepted their diplomas from vice-principal Cathy Rettger and Sun West School Division trustee John Collins.
As noted by Killoh, the class of 2015 was the smallest class Davidson School has had since 1957, when six students graduated.
Following the singing of “O Canada,” graduate Brooklyn Read introduced McConnell as the guest speaker. Her speech was followed by the principal’s remarks.
Awards and scholarships were presented by Davidson School Community Council chair Marcia McIvor, treasurer Denise Brecht and other community members.
Katelyn Riecken represented her class to pass the school colours to Grade 11 student Ben Nykiforuk, carrying on a decades-long tradition.
Elise McJannet, selected as the class valedictorian, reflected on the students’ time together. Six of the girls had been together since Kindergarten, while Paige Travers from Loreburn joined them in Grade 11.
“We are more like family than just classmates,” said McJannet, expressing her classmates’ mixed feelings on graduating. “We are anxious to explore new things, yet we are hesitant.”
She also recognized that the 13 years they spent together had presented their challenges, noting, “It’s had its share of bumps and ruts, but we’ve always been there to pick each other up and move forward.”
Referring to the class theme — “We’ll Make H15tory” — McJannet said it didn’t necessarily mean being recognized by the world, but rather being known “by the people we care about.”
Brooklyn Read and Liana Farrell provided a look into the future with their predictions for their classmates and themselves. A slideshow of old photos set to music, put together by Quinlyn Johnson and Elise McJannet, was well received by the audience.
Johnson and Travers offered acknowledgements towards the end of the ceremony, followed by the recessional and grand march, and finally a social.
The ceremony followed a banquet at Davidson Town Hall, emceed by Blair Frederickson, featuring toasts to both the parents and the grads, and the presentation of academic awards by vice-principal Cathy Rettger and other school staff.
For the complete story, including the list of awards presented, please pick up a copy of the May 25 edition of The Davidson Leader.