Jazmine McKee, left, gave the valedictorian speech at the 2019 Carpenter High School graduation on June 27. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW)

By Nikita Ganovicheff

Class of 2019

Carpenter High School sends off graduating class of 2019

Jun 27, 2019 | 5:03 PM

Over 100 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Thursday and graduate from Carpenter High School (CHS).

Many dignitaries were in attendance including MLA and CHS alumnus Jeremy Harrison, MP Georgina Jolibois and principal Trevor Gerwing. In Gerwing’s address, he told the class “don’t blink” because time passes by quickly.

The special guest speaker was the graduates’ former history teacher Dion Petz. Petz spoke about the uniqueness that comes from living in a rural community and received a standing ovation from the class and audience.

Valedictorian Jazmine McKee told meadowlakeNOW Petz was a very welcoming teacher who always gave his time to the students.

“He was always the first person to joke around with you and make you feel comfortable,” McKee said. “He taught in a way that wasn’t like telling you what to do. He treated you with respect and you were equal.”

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Dion Petz, at the podium, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and his speech received a standing ovation from the class. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW)

In her valedictorian speech, McKee said she had a hard time writing it because everyone in the class had a different experience going to CHS and there wasn’t one way to explain their experiences.

McKee plans to attend the University of British Columbia in the fall and is going into the Bachelor of Science program in Vancouver.

Graduate Ashley Rowland said she’s taking a year off before going back to school but treasures her time at Carpenter.

“Carpenter is a great school,” Rowland said. “The teachers are so nice and so welcoming. They will always have your back.”

Hugs were given out along with diplomas. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW)

Evan Degenstein will be heading straight into the workforce after receiving $1,000 in scholarships from the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship. Degenstein is passionate about welding and looks forward to his welding career.

“I like having nothing and being able to build anything you want and to start from scratch and build whatever you need,” Degenstein said.

Degenstein plans to attend the welding trades program at North West College and said he may already have a welding job lined up for the summer.

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nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov