Oilfields grads have a four-sided sunny outdoor celebration

It was a day for students, staff, family and community to gather around.

Or make that in a square.

The 53 Oilfields High School graduates formed a huge square surrounding a stage in the centre for a socially-distanced, outdoor graduation ceremony with parents and family attending on a sunny June 25 in Black Diamond.

“This year has been quite the journey for all of us,” said Chara Smith, in her Class of 2021 valedictory speech. “On behalf of the Class of 2021, I am happy to express our appreciation to each and every one here today that has made our high school experience what it has been.

“From the teachers who learned to change their teaching styles on the fly when we were all sent home to our parents who did not go insane when we were all sent home.”

She thanked the Oilfields community – which consists of Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Millarville, Longview, Eden Valley and Foothills County - for their help and generosity to all of the students during a trying COVID-19 year.

Most of all she thanked her friends – the fellow grads.

“We have been through thick and thin together – more like we have been through a one-time world event together,” she said. “I think it brought us all closer together… We have all learned to support one another like one big crazy family.”

Graduate Andrew (AJ) Hinman gave thanks to the staff at the high school..

“I remember coming to this school in Grade 7 and being terrified of the 400 kids here, which was big coming from Turner Valley,” Hinman said.  “I was immediately comforted by the teachers, some of whom are still here.

“I just want to thank every teacher that has been here for me, because I have known I have been quite the task.”

He thanked the staff and teachers for supporting the students outside of the classroom as well.

Each of the grads was escorted to a side of the square by their parents. The grads then had their names  announced and they crossed the stage on a spectacular summer day with smiles brighter than the sunshine.

Smith was so pleased to have a near-normal grad, she broke out in rhyme during her speech.

“Everyone knows the school’s Wi-Fi is bad, thank goodness we didn’t have to have a Zoom grad,” she said with a smile.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a ceremonial blanket to indigenous graduates by Charity Tegler,  Foothills School Division Indigenous learning facilitator. Métis graduates received the traditional sash.

The Métis graduates are Jake-Ryan Archie, Hannah Elson, Jake Mikkelsen, Carsen Poland, and Caitlyn Sutherland. The two indigenous graduates, both from Eden Valley, are Tylie Jimmy John and Tamika Rollinmud.

The graduation ceremony ended with the grads receiving a vehicle escort from RCMP, municipal enforcement and the Black Diamond Fire Department through the community.