After a year like no other, the principal of Steinbach Christian School says he is proud of the way their student council made lemonade out of lemons.

Principal Emery Plett says they planned a lot of fun COVID-friendly activities, hoping to create some morale among the students. He says because of their class sizes they were able to have their students in the building every day, all day throughout the school year.

When it comes to the graduating class of 2021, the Steinbach Christian School (SCS) principal says, “I think what makes this group special is that they are all diverse individuals, with all their different talents. What's really fun to watch is how they’ve been able to come together as a class.”

Plett adds, “perhaps coping may be a part of that, just bringing them together to face this. (COVID) has united them as a group and they’ve tried to make the best out of a challenge.” 

Speaking directly to the graduates he says “I think as they move forward, they will have experienced something historical. They're a part of history in a way that probably most of us weren't planning to be. These past couple of years are going to make the history books. Then as they continue to move forward in their lives, I hope that they continue to impact the world out there, as the world has impacted them now with COVID. But that they can make a different impact with their energy, their enthusiasm and with their ability to bring joy and love into our world.”

Courtney Penner was chosen SCS 2021 Valedictorian by her peers.

“I was totally surprised, actually. I’m honoured that my classmates would choose me," Penner says.

When asked how the past years have been, she says “high school has been a blast. I’ve made so many great friends here and I think that that was really key, especially this year. Just having a good group of friends to spend time with.”

Penner appreciates all the grad planning that has been done, especially her classmates' creativity in making the celebration evening special for them.

Her message to the SCS Graduating class is “to continue to persevere and put hope in the future. I feel like this time has taught us to be grateful for the moments and memories that we've spent together. And, I want to thank my teachers and all the parents who have supported us through this year and have come behind us and really supported us and done their best for us to still make it a fun and enjoyable year.”

The Steinbach Christian Graduation Ceremony will be taking place on Friday on the school grounds. It will be an outdoor drive-in event.

“Of course it will look a little different than what we've ever done before, but hoping again to honour our grads in the best way we can and celebrate with them as best we can," Plett says.

 

Written by Adi Loewen

Related Stories