World, here we come!

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

Graduation day – a time to reflect and look ahead with hope, excitement, wonder and uncertainty.

As they set out to make their mark in the world, 28 Maple Creek Composite School graduates have been likened to those arriving in New York in the 1920s to pursue a dream.

Old New York was described as a city of hustle and bustle, and rapid change.

“The same, Grade 12s, could be said about the phase of life you are currently in,” said Heather Buick, guest speaker at Friday’s graduation ceremony. “These last 10 months have included life decisions that have happened quickly – time has passed as it seems in the blink of an eye.”

Newcomers who stepped off the ship that brought them to New York had no idea what lay ahead, said Buick.

“This is likely how many of you are feeling at this time. What you know is now changing and no longer the same. All that lies ahead is new, uncertain in many ways and you are likely having a mix of feelings.”

Buick based her speech on the graduation theme of “Old Hollywood”.

She spoke about the construction of the New York subway system, which by the roaring ’20s was a “major hub”. Each train, said Buick, had a conductor and passengers, who disembarked at stops along the way.

“We could argue that this is a metaphor for life. The train track is the path you have chosen to taken in life and you are the conductor. Everyone you meet is either getting on for a stop, getting for a few stations, or riding with you to the end. Most people do not stay for the whole ride and very few will become your forever passengers – this is normal.”

Another of the most famous features about New York was Broadway, said Buick.

“Broadway as we know is a world renowned for its shows and performances, for its stages. Grade 12s, you are currently sitting on a stage; this graduation tradition is setting the first steps for the rest of your life.”

The MCCS gym was filled with families, staff, students and invited guests for the 90-minute ceremony presided over by Shawna Wagner and Kyra Whitrow, Masters of Ceremonies.

The celebration began with the traditional presentation of graduates, who entered through a balloon-festooned doorway, and walked along a carpet to take their places on the stage.

Rob Stewart, MCCS principal, delivered a “Land Acknowledgment”, in which he said an appreciation of the history of Treaty 4 Territory could be gained by going to the Cypress Hills and seeing the panoramic views.

Stewart said the school enjoyed a close relationship with the Nekaneet that had been growing through the years.

“The real power is in the future of our kids. These young adults are going out having a better understanding of what it is like to have respect, mutual respect, cultural respect and work together in a spirit of reconciliation. That is what it is all about. Meaningful reconciliation.”

After Rylie Huck sang O Canada, Emelie Baynton and Sean Vallier gave the Historian Address, reflecting humorously on the escapades of the Class of 2026.

In her Valedictorian Address, Jazelle Caparida spoke about the preciousness of time.

“One day, you’re in middle school counting the years and wondering how long it’s gonna take to reach grade 12. Then in a blink of an eye you’re already walking across the stage getting ready to leave behind the previous chapter and open up the next one.”

Jazelle urged fellow graduates to see mistakes as an opportunity for growth and learning.

“Life is too short to let hesitation, fear, and doubt decide your fate. Don’t let it take charge of your life. Carve your own path and write your own story. You have the power to shape your future and decide who you’re gonna be.”

The News-Times today prints the Valedictorian Address and Buick’s Guest Speech in full.

After Cooper Udal and Kian Wills gave a Grade 12 fundraiser presentation, Shylo Mosquito and Cole Buffalo Calf honoured Nekaneet graduates with star blankets. They also had special gifts for all the graduates –  beaded wrist lanyards.

It was then time for the presentation of awards and scholarships, Buick’s speech, and the presentation of diplomas by MCCS principal Rob Stewart and Tyson Krause, vice-principal. The ceremony concluded with “The Leaving”.

At 5.30pm, the Class of 2026 reassembled by the Arena for a parade that has become a popular tradition since the year of COVID-19.

Spots of rain caused momentary concern, and a few unfurled umbrellas. Fortunately, however, it proved a false alarm, and the weather cooperated over the next hour.

The procession, led by the RCMP, went down 5th Avenue, across Highway 21 and around the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Centre, and back through town, along Jasper Street, Pacific Avenue and Sidney Street.

All along the route, onlookers cheered, waved, took pictures, and called out: “Congratulations.”

It was a community celebration.