Two valedictorians represented their class of 60 on Wednesday at the Green Valley School graduation ceremony.

Principal Angela Burtnack-Schinkel says this year's graduates are a highly talented group who have also shown exceptional leadership within the school.

Burtnack-Schinkel notes, "[I hope they just stay] true to who they are and believe that whatever they do in the world, it will make a difference. That being a good person and always contributing, whether it be in their communities or within their family sectors, that they do have the power to make changes in the world, in their communities, and to never underestimate their talents and their gifts."

Valedictorians Bobby Friesen and Mikayla Shilling say it's an honour to have been chosen to represent their class.

Friesen adds he has appreciated how different each person in their class is but how they have strived to become closer as a class. He says after graduation he will miss his friends and classmates.

"Going into adulthood, I'll just miss my friends and classmates from the last bunch of years because we're used to seeing each other every day. Now if I want to hang out with my friends I'll have to make time and make an effort."

Shilling says agrees, she will miss the comfortable and predictable nature of school that she has known for 13 years. She adds, "for me, I would say [to my classmates], I just want them to continue learning and to take every opportunity, to never settle, and just keep striving for what they want in their passions and their dreams."

Graduation ceremonies took place at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach.