Willow Creek Composite High School sends grads off in style

By Rob Vogt
Looking back at high school, Kael Smith said it is a collection of small moments that stand out.
There was being in Grade 7 and stuck in a lonely classroom in a corner of the school during the pandemic; attending teacher Heather Scott’s retirement party; and more.
“These are the moments I will remember the most,” said Kael Smith, the valedictorian for the 2026 graduating class at Willow Creek Composite High School at their ceremony on June 6.
School provided structure, but now students are free to do as they choose.
Looking forward, Smith said no one knows exactly what’s next no matter much planning is done.
“Life rarely comes with an answer key,” he said.
So he thanked everyone for everything they had done for the grads.
“It’s always a good day to be a Cobra,” he concluded.
Grad Rylen Guitton paid tribute to the parents, staff and school board.
He talked about the memories he made with his friends, and how things changed over time.
People he barely knew at one time became good friends.
“I’m thankful for everything that happened,” he said.
Looking ahead, no one’s path is the same. Everyone has different skills.
“What you choose to do with these skills is up to you,” Guitton said.
He encouraged his fellow graduates to take steps outside their comfort zone; seize opportunities; and make change.
Think of others but also make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem by Armani Scott; and land acknowledgment by Seannon Ocampo.
Trustee Brad Toone, himself a parent of a graduate, brought greetings from the Livingstone Range School Division.
“You are a special group,” he said.
Toone should know, he became a trustee three weeks after the grad class started Kindergarten.
He noted a lot of people helped the graduates get to this point.
“I would ask you consider paying it forward,” Toone said.
Service groups such as the Lions, Kinsmen, Kinettes, Elks and Royal Purple have raised thousands of dollars for the community. Coaches, youth leaders and volunteers have spent hours helping in the community.
“These are groups that need your support,” Toone said. “I hope you take advantage of these opportunities.”
He concluded by acknowledging students who are already involved in their community.
Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, and also a graduate of the school, congratulated the grads for working hard and persevering.
She took a moment to talk about all those people behind each graduate, who supported them through everything.
“It’s about everything it took to get here,” Petrovic said.
She also said to the graduates that people will remember how they treat others. They will remember kindness, respect, and people who show up.
Petrovic encouraged the grads to try everything. If they fail, that’s okay. Just get up, learn and keep going – and don’t forget to phone your parents.
Brad Schlossberger, mayor of Claresholm, who also graduated from the school, offered congratulations from the town.
“Grads, today is your day,” he said, adding it was a day to celebrate achievement and hard work. “You will remember this day the rest of your lives.”
He encouraged the grads to embrace new opportunities, learn from new challenges, and continue to pursue their goals.
“We are proud of you and we wish you every success,” Schlossberger said.