Granum school’s departing Grade 9 students were honoured Wednesday, From left: Melody Vlutas, Liv Berreth, Toni Ellis, Annaleigh Johnston, Job Brobbel, Harvey Taylor and Rio Frank.
Granum school celebrated the end of the year June 28 by paying tribute to students for academic achievement.
Staff and students also bid farewell to the departing Grade 9s and long-time teacher Lori Austin.
“It’s sad to see you go,” principal Nick Beer told the Grade 9 students. “We know that you’re prepared for the challenge. We’ve seen you grow and mature with confidence throughout the years.”
The Grade 9 class was Liv Berreth, Job Brobbel, Toni Ellis, Rio Frank, Annaleigh Johnston, Melody Vlutas, and Harvey Taylor.
Beer said Granum school is losing a group of students who demonstrated strong leadership and a wide variety of talents.
“We know that the Grade 7s and 8s are going to step up, and they’re going to fill the void and be the future leaders of the school,” Beer said. “But it won’t be the same without you.”
Beer said the Grade 9s take a number of valuable skills with them, including the ability to work with others, and to understand other people’s point of view.
Librarian Chris Pinder paid tribute to the school’s volunteers.
“I would say most people volunteer because they have kids here or a connection to the school or time to help with something they feel has value and not for recognition,” Pinder said. “We want you to know that our school appreciates each of you.”
Granum Education Support Society volunteers included Kacia Wojnowski, Cora Steel, Kate Ellis, Wendy Kennedy and Jill Johnston.
School council volunteers were Jen Corbin, Kim Berreth, Cora Steel, Anna Barber, Nicole Poelman, Dusty Litchfield and Sara Brobbel.
Volunteer readers were Fran Hanson, Kim Berreth, Susan Lypert and Lorraine Neufeld.
Assistant principal Randy Bohnet presented flowers to school secretary Sherry Vandervalk for her role in building community.
Bohnet and student Job Brobbel paid tribute to Grade 5-6 teacher Lori Austin, who is retiring after 24 years at Granum school.
“You will be remembered for putting lots of time and effort into your students,” Job said.
Bohnet also paid tribute to principal Nick Beer, who is leaving to become principal of W.A. Day school in Fort Macleod.
“He loved this school,” Bohnet said.
Beer agreed.
“I love this place,” Beer said. “I’m going to miss you all.”
The following awards were presented on Wednesday:
- Treasury Branch Grade 6 Student Award — Calida Litchfield.
- Jeff Bryan Award — Alexis Way, Grade 7; Seth Brobbel, Grade 8; Job Brobbel and Melody Vlutas, Grade 9.
- Eva Sherman Academic Award — Job Brobbel and Melody Vlutas.
- Art Fjordbotten Most Improved Student Award — Annaleigh Johnston.
- Mary Laughton Award — Sasha Poelman.
- Granum School Athletic Award — Job Brobbel and Annaleigh Johnston.
- Red and White Award — Job Brobbel.
