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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Four high schools

Class of 2023 at Red Deer Public Schools gear up for graduation ceremonies

May 24, 2023 | 2:51 PM

The time has come for yet another batch of Grade 12 students at the Red Deer Public Schools District (RDPSD) to dress in their cap and gown and walk across the stage at their high school graduation.

“We recognize that graduation is an important milestone in a young adult’s life. It’s a milestone that is meaningful for our students and also for their families and friends as well,” said Chad Erickson, Superintendent of Schools. “Graduation is not only a celebration of the hard work and dedication of students, but the start of the next chapter in their lives. We know our students will move on to do great things, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Graduation celebrations for each high school are:

• Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School – Thursday, May 25, 2023
  • Two ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre (120 College Cir)
• Hunting Hills High School – Friday, May 26, 2023
  • Two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
• Pines Alternative School Centre and North Cottage – Friday, June 23, 2023
  • One ceremony at 1 p.m. at Pines Alternative School (8 Page Ave)
• Gateway Christian – Thursday, June 29, 2023
  • One ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at New Life Fellowship Church (20 Kelloway Cres)

“We are very excited that we will be able to celebrate the dedication and achievement of our students at this year’s graduation event,” said Darwin Roscoe, Principal at Hunting Hills High School. “These students have demonstrated the extreme resilience and commitment necessary to reach this milestone. Over the last couple of years, the feedback we heard from our parents and graduates was that they enjoyed the staggered ceremony times, so this year we are doing the same while keeping the great things our students, parents and staff value most in graduation.”

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Following the ceremony on Thursday, Lindsay Thurber graduates will showcase their formal attire to family and friends in a Grand March at 7 p.m. before heading to Prom.

“The thought of reaching graduation in a few short days is incredibly exciting, and simultaneously surreal. For as long as I can remember, high school graduation has been the biggest, most thrilling milestone to reach, making the decision to join the 2023 Graduation Executive Committee a no-brainer,” said Marin Walton, a graduating student from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. “Through grad exec, we have been able to give back, and provide a memorable senior year for all of the graduates that unfortunately missed out on a majority of the ‘normal’ high school experience. Hopefully, through our various events including multiple spirit days, bowling night, wakefest, and the grad fashion show, we as a committee were able to reinstate the excitement surrounding graduation, despite our unorthodox four years that seem to have passed in the blink of an eye.”

Hunting Hills graduates will also do a walk through Mattie McCullough Elementary School after their ceremony on Friday at 2 p.m. where the younger generation will cheer them on with signs.

At 6 p.m., the graduates will attend a Grand March and Graduation Dance.

“What a privilege to see this group of kids successfully reach the milestone of graduation. I am so proud of each of them,” said Karen Wiebe, a parent of a graduating student at Gateway Christian School. “This is made all the more special to me as a Gateway parent because of the rich community developed amongst students, parents and staff in what feels like a small town school. I am truly excited for what is yet to come for this amazing class as they step out into the next chapter of their lives.”

The District says they look forward to celebrating the achievements of their graduating students over the coming months.

“We are so incredibly proud of our graduates who have persevered, reached this incredible milestone, and are ready to take this new and exciting next step in their lives,” said Stephen Pottage, District Principal of Alternative Programs and Support Services.