Celebrating Leader's 2020 Graduates
BY JOAN JANZEN
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
The celebrations for the 2020 graduates from Leader Composite School may have differed from previous years, but the grads were still made to feel special and celebrated. School staff had personalized banners made, placed downtown, and personalized lawn signs were placed on the school lawn.
Principal Colleen Robarts, along with the vice-principal, made home deliveries to each of the grads, delivering gift bags and their scrolls in person. “We put together a video and uploaded that to our Facebook page,” Colleen said. “We put together something nice that would normally be read at the grad ceremony.”
“Kids and parents are disappointed all across the country. It might not be formal, but it’s heartfelt. They know everyone is working hard for them because they deserve it.” Colleen said. “We’re grateful for parents picking up where we are unable to due to restrictions. It’s been a great co-operative experience between staff and parents.”
On Saturday, parents did their part, organizing a grad parade that travelled all around town as residents sat in their front yards and cheered them on. Speeches followed at the ball field and then a delicious supper at a farm outside of town.
Most of the ten graduates have been together since kindergarten. Some of the teachers have known them since then. Colleen Robarts said she had taught them for four years.
“This group of kids are a mature group. They don’t need to be asked; they just step up. They’re hard workers, and hard workers are always successful. They’re absolutely wonderful kids.” Colleen said.
Now, this school year draws to a close, and it has been challenging for everyone involved. But Colleen Robarts acknowledged that every challenge is also an opportunity to gain new understanding.
“We got a fresh understanding of how important we all are to each other in raising our kids. We have a renewed sense of appreciation for one another,” she concluded.