Hundreds gathered for the Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) graduating class of 2017 "We are Stars" ceremony, which was held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, in the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) in Drumheller, Alta. 67 graduates were in attendance with over 55 awards presented to the young individuals. A valedictorian could not be named due to the overwhelmingly close grades, within two per cent of each other. Ultimately, four of the brightest students were selected to make speeches at the ceremony. A complete decision will be made once the marks are in by the end of June.
Graduate Dayton Ainscough travels up the walk lane to receive his graduation pins, and Government of Alberta certificate from leaders in the community including Mrs. Sherrie Nielsen, Wes Miskiman, Terry Yemen, Brad Teske, and Curtis Lapierre.
Graduate Teaghan Coultes travels up the walk lane to receive her graduation pins, and Government of Alberta certificate from leaders in the community including Mrs. Sherrie Nielsen, Wes Miskiman, Terry Yemen, Brad Teske, and Curtis Lapierre.
Graduate Jessica Fernando gives a friend a hug before receiving her graduation pins, and Government of Alberta certificate from leaders in the community including Mrs. Sherrie Nielsen, Wes Miskiman, Terry Yemen, Brad Teske, and Curtis Lapierre.
Graduate Liam McDougald travels up the walk lane to receive his graduation pins, and Government of Alberta certificate from leaders in the community including Mrs. Sherrie Nielsen, Wes Miskiman, Terry Yemen, Brad Teske, and Curtis Lapierre.
Graduate Kaylee Peake travels up the walk lane and gets a photo-op from friends and family before going up to receive her graduation pins, and Government of Alberta certificate from leaders in the community including Mrs. Sherrie Nielsen, Wes Miskiman, Terry Yemen, Brad Teske, and Curtis Lapierre.
A parent takes a picture of the graduating class using his iPhone while simultaneously taking a video of the ceremony.
Singers and graduates Emily Bertsch (L), Abby Fooks (M), and Justin Herman (R), sing "Unsteady" as part of the special recognitions portion of the event. All sang in perfect harmony to the popular song.
Graduate Jayden Nail gives a speech during the 2017 DVSS graduating class "We are Stars" themed morning ceremony.
Retiring faculty member Dan Hird smiles as Emily Bertsch sings a song in tribute to his long-standing career and happy retirement. Hird graduated from the school several years ago and was happy to contribute to the community through teaching.
Drumheller Mail's editor Ossie Sheddy prepared a light-hearted speech before presenting the Excellence in Education Award to recipients Jessica Francis, Noah Miles, Dayton Ainscough, and Kendra Carey.
The DVSS teachers gathered for a group picture in their robes after the morning ceremony.
14-month old Asher Lowen attended a balloon party Saturday morning at BCF, and coincidentally his cousin Brady LeBlanc was graduating from DVSS. He is the son of Chris and Kim Lowen.
