A look in from Graduation Day at John Paul II Collegiate, Thursday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Milestone Celebration

John Paul II Collegiate celebrates Graduation Day

Jun 30, 2023 | 9:00 AM

It was a day circled on the calendar by many, whether parents, teachers, or the senior class themselves, as Thursday marked Graduation Day at John Paul II Collegiate.

“It’s the crown jewel of the school year,” the principal at JPII, Bruce Yockey coined. “It’s the culmination of a lot of people’s work going back, for these guys, all the way to kindergarten.

“They always say it takes a village to raise a child, and we’re just thankful for all the teachers and staff from all the schools these kids have attended. The teachers put an awful lot of time and work in and it’s good to see it all come to fruition in the end.”

This year’s John Paul II graduating class featured 95 students, of which 52 were named to the honour roll, with 27 having an average of 90 per cent or higher, including 14 with an average of 95 per cent and higher.

“This might be the highest-achieving graduating class we’ve had,” Yockey said. “It was a very strong academic group.”

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Among those celebrating their graduation Thursday, were Adam Van Stone and Eric Senger, who played together on the Crusaders football team throughout their high school years. The pair caught up with battlefordsNOW following the grad ceremony, with each speaking about how quickly the day came around.

“Going into Grade 12, honestly, I thought I’d have a rough time, but all my teachers helped me and it ended up a really fun year with all my friends and family and teachers and everything,” Van Stone said.

“Grade 12 came fast… [but] graduation came super fast.”

Senger echoed the sentiment, adding that as he looks back, it’s been a whirlwind last five years since first walking through the front doors of the high school in eighth grade.

“In the blink of an eye I’m here in my cap and gown,” he said shaking his head with a grin.

Senger added that as he reflects back, it will be the memories made every day that will stay with him.

“Definitely tons of memories with my friends after school, cramming for tests the night before, and just spending time together and having great teachers who were there for me and helped me along the way,” he said.

For some, like Amy Solano, the gravity of the moment didn’t quite hit until actually walking across the stage to receive her diploma.

“Leading up to grad day it really didn’t hit me that I was graduating, just with finals and everything, but then coming on stage and seeing all my elementary school teachers and my family there supporting me, it hit me [hard],” she said with a laugh.

Solano, who will be heading to the University of Lethbridge in the fall to pursue Sociology, said if her time in high school has taught her anything, it’s to make the most of each day.

“Nothing is set in stone. Just live it up, each day at a time,” she said.

Josh Fransoo, who was heavily involved in extracurriculars from athletics like volleyball, basketball, football and badminton, to joining SADD (Students Against Drinking & Driving), said for those who may just be starting their high school journey, he’d highly recommend getting involved in the school community, something that really contributed in a positive way to his high school experience.

“Honestly they’re all great programs, so if you’re coming to JP, definitely take the time to look into it,” Fransoo encouraged. “It’s great to be a part of something and be a part of the school in that way.”

Similarly, Makenzie Gidych, who was also involved with volleyball and served as co-president of SADD this year, said as she looks back on the last year especially, it’s been the relationships built that will be her takeaway.

“I think I’ve learned a lot about being really open to everyone,” she said. “This past year our whole grad class has gotten really close, and now that it’s ended I’m just wishing we were all that close from the beginning. I’ll take away just making as many friends as possible and talking to as many people as possible because it’s nice to have that big close community.”

Jelena Popovic, who was a big part of the Crusaders’ soccer program throughout her high school years, serving as co-captain of the team her senior year, perhaps best summed up the emotions of the day, after taking a moment to reflect on her takeaway from the high school experience.

“Time passes by very quickly, so live it to the fullest,” she said. “Make memories every day and live every day like it’s your last.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1