It is the smallest graduating class in years at Green Valley School in Grunthal (GVS).

Graduation ceremonies take place Tuesday afternoon, when 34 students will receive their high school diplomas. Principal Angela Burtnack-Schinkel says this is the smallest graduating class at GVS since 2000.
    
When describing this year's class, Burtnack-Schinkel refers to them as "very humble, gracious, hard-working, self-sufficient, accepting and an appreciative group of young adults."

She adds the grads are truly remarkable and modest, noting they will be "change agents" as they continue to make a difference beyond the walls of GVS.

"GVS will miss the kind and generous attitudes that this year's grads exhibited throughout their time here," says Burtnack-Schinkel. "Our entire school community wishes the grads of 2022 all the best in their future endeavours."

Burtnack-Schinkel says the graduates have worked so hard to remain engaged in their academic pursuits, especially during the last two years.

"All grads need to be congratulated on their perseverance, resiliency and positive attitudes during the most difficult time of their educational journey," she adds. "Remote learning, working in cohorts, and having to endure all of the restrictions that they faced in their last two years of high school has been a great accomplishment all on its own."

The graduating class at Green Valley School in Grunthal.

Brody Neufeld was selected as Valedictorian. In fact, Neufeld admits it was something he campaigned for, noting he sent each of his classmates a message asking for their vote. 

"I really wanted to represent my class," says Neufeld. "I've always felt like I've gotten along with everybody in the grade."

Neufeld says the message he would like to relay to his fellow graduates is that there will always be difficult times in life where it feels like you do not know what you are doing. But, he says if you put everything into it, you can do whatever you want, without worrying what anybody else thinks or says. 

As for the Valedictorian, his plans after high school include studying at Athabasca University. He will be involved in Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting. 

Neufeld says a big thank you to all of the staff at Green Valley School. He says they were always very accommodating and willing to listen; whether it was a serious or light-hearted conversation. 

Tuesday's graduation begins at 4 pm.