Grads of KCS parade through the town
BY JOAN JANZEN
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Graduation for the grads of Kindersley Composite High School looked different in 2020 than in previous years, due to recent restrictions and public health regulations. But that hasn’t stopped the school’s principal and staff from doing their best to celebrate their special occasion and achievement. This year 68 grads were celebrating.
Principal Blain Hilbig explained, “We had things change. Things seem to change by the hour. We’ve done some virtual things, as far as awards are concerned. We’ve recorded awards, award winners, speeches and pre-recorded speeches. We posted a banner outside of the school with pictures of each student, a tradition which we might continue. We got yard signs for each graduate and placed them on the school’s front lawn.” The grads were then invited to take the signs home to place on their own front yards.
On June 26th, the grad parade began at 3:00 starting at Main Street and Railway and ended up at KCS, where a stage was set up, diplomas were received, and photos were taken.
Blain Hilbig has been the principal at KCS for four years and was the vice-principal for one year before that. “After four years with them, you get to know them fairly well,” Blaine said. “I’ve coached some of them and taught some of them.
They’ve been a well-rounded group and easy to work with. There haven’t been many issues over the past four years.”
During the three months preceding grad, Grade 12 students could either take the grade they had achieved or try to increase their mark. “We had a pretty high percentage that continued on with their learning,” Blaine said. “Our school did a good job of communicating and getting information out and being available for group calls. Overall, it was as good as it could be.”
Of course, the students all miss the social aspect of school attendance, and Blain Hilbig said the staff misses the students coming in and sharing their stories. Everyone misses the connections with all the kids.
“Face to face is important,” Blaine said. Everyone will look forward to more face to face interaction in the new school year, and the grads will look forward to their new pursuits and endeavours.
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