High school celebrates graduating class of 2023

By Rob Vogt
It was a chance to look back at the achievements of 12 years of school and ahead to what the future brings as Willow Creek Composite High School celebrated the graduating class of 2023.
Festivities were held in the school gym on June 30, as the school welcomed the community in to join in the celebration.
Valedictorian Dakota Van Langen offered three pieces of advice for her fellow graduates.
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Embrace your youth. Don’t grow up faster than you need to because, before you know it, you will be sitting in the bleachers where the parents are.
Whatever it is, it won’t affect your life in 10 years.
“You only live once,” she said. “Live your life today like it’s your last day.”
Grad Travis Hinkle brought a tribute to the parents, staff, and school board.
He encouraged everyone to never take anything for granted, and he expressed his appreciation to everyone who made grad possible.
JoAnna Sutter, the guest speaker for the day, brought words of wisdom.
She said she has known the majority of grads through all their school years, and one thing always resonated with her.
“You are such a cohesive group and always have been,” she said.
Sutter observed the grads have been through many ups and downs, and should be proud of coming through interesting times such as the pandemic.
“Each and every one of you has the ability to do great things,” she said, adding they are in control of what they want now, not what the curriculum says.
Sutter congratulated those who won honours at graduation, but also the others, some who may have struggled. She told them they can achieve great things.
There is no script to life, she said, and no remote control to change the channel.
“You change it yourself,” she said.
Sutter reminded grads to thank all those who were there for them, and offered some advice.
Push yourself hard, but don’t be hard on yourself; smile often; see the good in life; plant your feet on the ground and rise to the challenge; be kind; and help others without judgement.
She offered one final piuece of advice: with all the technology available, call your mother.
Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, is a graduate of Willow Creek Composite High School and, until recently, was mayor of Claresholm.
She began by acknowledging the true heroes of the day – the parents. They weathered awkward parent-teacher meetings, provided for the needs of their children, and navigated the challenging landscape of school pick-ups and drop-offs.
“To the exceptional graduating class of 2023, I must say that you are about to embark on an exhilirating journey,” Petrovic said.
The world is unlike what the grads’ parents or grandparents faced.
“You belong to the first generation that no longer solely relies on parents for knowledge or information on various issues,” she said.
This generation can access a vast array of information with the touch of a button.
Yet, Petrovic implored them not to underestimate the guidance of their parents.
“Having someone in your corner who genuinely cares about your best interests is an invaluable resource that will never steer you astray,” she said.
When she chose to run for mayor, she chose a path different from most.
She ran without first having sat on town council, which was not the conventional route.
“You may also have an unconventional route in your journey and it is okay that it is different than people expect,” she said.
People will tell you it’s not your time, she continued, and that you’re not old enough. You will hear the word “no” more times that you can count.
“Haters and naysayers will always be present, and the power of social media allows individuals to claim expertise on every subject,” Petrovic said. “I urge you not to allow society or someone sitting behind a keyboard to dictate the path you are allowed to take.
“The most critical voices will provide countless reasons why you cannot achieve something, yet they lack the courage to take the necessary risks.”
She told grads they all possess something unique to offer the world. Regardless of what that is, she urged them to recognize they are extraordinary and indispenasble to this world.
“Seize the opportunities that come your way, take risks, and embrace failure as a stepping stone towards growth,” Petrovic said. “Remember that success is not solely measurd by accolades and achievements, but by the lives we touch, the connections we foster, and the positive imprint we leave on our communities.”
Greetings were also brought by Carla Gimber of the Livingstone Range School Division; Brad Schlossberger of the Town of Claresholm; and Earl Hemmaway of the Municipal District of Willow Creek.
“O Canada” was sung by Armani Scott, and Elliot Penner brought the land acknowledgement and a Blackfoot blessing.
A number of awards were also presented:
Honour medals
• Zach Bell; Max Buhmiller; Zakery Challand; Kozo Chisanga; Tionna D’Agnone; Kayla DieBold; Keegan Frank-Jensen; Minaz Imran; Grace Lee; Rachel Ling; Draven Martineau; Laci McLeod; Lydianna O’Neil; Tyson Rausch; Anastasia Skelliter; Cheyenne Symens; Caidence Vosburgh; Skylar Wilde; Adysen Williams; and Nate Wright.
Valedictorian medal
• Dakota Van Langen.
Eagle feathers
Piikani Elder Peter Strikes With A Gun presented eagle feathers to:
• Dante-Lynn Dixon;
• Eric Johnston;
• Draven Martineau;
• Elliot Penner;
• Anastasia Skelliter.
Ultimate Cobra Award
• Kozo Chisange.
Grad Imagine Award
• Dakota Van Langen.
Amy Berg Jennings Citizenship Award
• Zakery Challand and Kozo Chisanga.
Kaye Fisher Award
• Lydianna O’Neil, Dakota Van Langen, and Adysen Williams.
Ralph Smulders Award
• Max Buhmiller and Skylar Wilde.
Claresholm Lions Club Scholarship
• Dakota Van Langen.