Best of luck to our grads and Principal Jean Kimber
By Joan Janzen
Graduation ceremonies commenced on Friday, May 20th for the South Central High School (SCHS) graduating class of 2022. The energy had been building up throughout grad week prior to the festivities. The celebrations kicked off with everyone sitting down to a delicious banquet at the Legion Hall, followed by toasts to the students, teachers and school board. There were also speeches given by the Deputy Superintendent, Principal, a representative from the Town of Oyen, and the class valedictorian. And of course, the grads were presented with their diplomas.
Friends and family lined the streets of Oyen at 7:30 p.m. when the 17 graduates paraded around town, preceded by the RCMP and local fire department. Following the parade, a social hour was held at the school where grads, family and friends had an opportunity to take photos.
SCHS principal Jean Kimber, said in a facebook post, that she could relate to this group. The reason Kimber relates to the grads’ experience, is because she too will be leaving SCHS upon her retirement at the end of this school year.
“September will bring big changes for all of us. The students and staff of SCHS truly care for one another, and that makes it difficult to leave,” she said. It will be difficult for the grads to leave their friends and move on to new locations and pursuits.
“Sometimes it is a challenge to envision a future that doesn’t look like going to school with a group of friends you’ve known for years, but have faith in your ability to create and succeed in new ways,” she advised.
Kimber taught all the grads and described them as very talented. “Some are highly athletic, some are highly academic, and some are both,” she noted. “Six of the grads are ball boys, and two grads come from Youngstown. They’re quiet but they definitely speak up when they need to. They are a kind and hard working group.”
As you can see by each grad’s plans for the future, the SCHS grad class of 2022 is ready for new places and adventures. Here is a list of the grads and their individual pursuits.
Adam Golby from Coronation, will take Business at Indian Hills Community Collerge in Centerville, Iowa, while continuing to play baseball.
Carter Moench from Hanna, is enrolled in Massage Therapy at Centennial College in Toronto, while continuing to play baseball.
Brandon Wentzell from Bridgewater, NS, plans to attend Genesee Community College in New York while continuing to play baseball.
Joelle Mundt from Sibbald, will be enrolled in Bachelor of Management program at the U of A, Augustana Campus.
Elizabeth Chudleigh from Bindloss, will be taking Bachelor Health and Physical Education at Mount Royal University in Calgary, then will pursue Physiotherapy.
Jake Roggensack of Wainwright, will continue his education at college and play baseball.
Eric Elines of Big Valley, will be attending Indian Hills Community College and continue to play baseball.
Madison Laughlin of Youngstown, will be enrolled in Nursing at the U of S.
Jordyn Duffield of Oyen plans to become a dental hygienist.
Nicole Badnaruk, from Oyen will be attending U of A, in pursuit of her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Animal Science major, and then pursue Veterinary Medicine.
Vance Walker from Oyen, will pursue a career in the trades.
Rhett Tattrie from Youngstown plans to attend Olds College, and will be enrolled in Agri-Commerce, while continuing with rodeo.
Ryley Dziatkewich, from Oyen, will be attending the U of A, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, then will pursue sports medicine.
Sasa Juhas from Oyen, will be taking a geology major at the University of Calgary.
Trey Martin of Oyen will be taking Power Lineman Technician Apprenticeship at Lethbridge College.
Tyler Thompson of Moosomin, SK will be taking Computer Science at Jefferson Community College, while playing baseball.
Benjamin Gouthro of Pleasantville, NS, will continue going to college while playing baseball.
Those are the plans for each of the grads, but what are the future plans for retiring principal Jean Kimber? “I’ll probably do some subbing; I’m always happy to help out,” she said. “We have a ranch north of Chinook. I’m looking forward to working on the farm, and being a grandmother. We have a granddaughter arriving in September, and I’m sure the farm will keep me very busy. I’ll be checking cows and doing summer fallow.”
Jean Kimber started with Prairie Rose in 1989. “I had worked at the school in Cereal in 2002, moved to SCHS in September of 2002, and became principal in January, 2014.” She said she’ll miss the staff and kids beyond her imagination. “I have always loved my job. This is a great place to work! This is a fantastic school with great teachers and wonderful students; I will miss them every day,” she said.
Kimber also had some wise parting advice to offer. “I firmly believe we all need to embrace all stages of life. Enjoy whatever you do, and do it well.”
SCHS Principal Jean Kimber is retiring at the end of the school year.
