There are some things in life that never get old. One of those is the love we have for families. I make this comment because last week was grad week and never is there a time when family love and pride shines through brightly then at these ceremonies.
Last Thursday afternoon was the graduation ceremony for the Fernie Academy. Held outside on the Court House grounds it was a spectacular day of sunshine and blue sky. Even for me it was emotional to watch the seven graduates walk slowly down a grassy pathway to live piano music as families and friends sat with obvious sentimentality displayed on faces.
I was there in my mayor capacity but was very happy to witness the second year of graduates from the Academy and present a scholarship to Ryan Prince from the City of Fernie.
That evening was also the Fernie Secondary graduation banquet. I was asked by the parents to give the Blessing before dinner and that was something I was happy to do not as the mayor but as a parent as my grandson Brandon was part of the graduating class. I have had several graduations but never a banquet that had the entertainment that this year’s grads provided. After dinner the evening began with the Isabella Dicken School Glee Club. Kindergarten and primary cuties singing and dancing so beautifully that it mesmerized the crowd. Students from the grad class had an improve act, others sang or played instruments, gave a history of the schools they had attended now since gone, spoke about their classmates and then had the entire arena in tears when they asked the parents of their deceased class mate Michael Voth to come up for presentations. A bench in Michael’s memory will sit in the school so that Michael will never be forgotten. Everyone remembered Michael as being a smart, thoughtful, wonderful young man taken too early from this world due to a tragic accident.
The next afternoon was the grad ceremony and that is where I put on my mayor’s hat to give the message from the City as well as to present City scholarships to deserving students and the youth achievement award to Jessica Teeple.
In my speech I commented how it seemed only yesterday that they were in kindergarten. I told them never to be afraid to try anything new because of what others think of them and not to get frustrated when things don’t work out perfectly, that if they failed it would teach them perseverance and strength but most importantly that as long as they did things honestly and with integrity they are winners in the eyes of the most important person in the world, themselves. I ended with a quote from famed writer Walt Whitman “The strongest and sweetest songs yet remain to be sung” so may your future be full of the strongest and sweetest songs in the world.”
The evening wouldn’t have been the same without watching the grand march. These kids had a fantastic time dancing and marching. Particularly poignant was the one grad girl at the end of the line carrying a large photo of Michael and also all wearing hats in Michael’s memory.
The week was even busier as my daughter Julie and her husband Paulo came home to celebrate thier 25th wedding anniversary. This was another emotional time as my daughter finished chemotherapy just a few months ago. While she was recuperating between the awful side effects of the treatments she planned a celebration with intense attention to detail. The favours, flowers, silver linens, candy bar, dessert bar, decorations and food were all perfect at the dinner held at the Best Western Lodge.
A renewal of vows was performed by Father Bart at Holy Family Church in front of family and friends.
Entertainment was provided by the newly formed mother and daughter duo the Lynchs who sang publicly together for the first time in Fernie. They delighted the guests by bringing CD’s and giving them away. Sadie and Shelley with sister Kathy who is their manager entertained everyone by performing several original songs that Shelley has written and had success overseas with. This past spring the duo were in Nashville recording for Jerry Duncan, famed Nashville producer. If you want to hear them perform they will be at the Arts Station on July 11.
Of course the next day was Canada Day. Councillors Joni, Willard, Dan, Joe and I went to cut the 24 cakes that were there to help celebrate the day. Although a little rainy off and on all day hundreds turned out to listen to the music, take in the attractions and watch the spectacular fireworks. Special thanks to the organizing committee for another fabulous Canada Day.
Last but not least I attended the official opening of the new Fernie Transfer Station, located at 6000 Highway 3 (across from Brenner Road). This facility was years being approved and I congratulate those involved in the process.
Enjoy your summer! (click on images for larger size)
