Holy Trinity Academy's (HTA) Class of 2024 had their graduation ceremony on Thursday morning.
The pews of St. James Parish, just across from the school, were packed with friends and family there to watch this year's grads cross the stage.
Among the people to congratulate the 2024 graduating class were Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) Superintendent Andrea Holowka, CTR Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Andrew Gustafson, and HTA's Principal, Diana Atkinson.
Otipemisiwak Metis Government Citizens' Representative Lisa San Filippo also addressed the grads and was joined by Cst. Derrick Campbell of the Calgary Police Service in presenting sashes to HTA's six Metis graduates.
Grads heard from the 2024 Salutatorian Katherine Jerrom, and Valedictorian Jonah Janzen, who maintained an average of 99.45 per cent in his graduating year.
During his address, he encouraged his fellow graduates to pursue their dreams without fear.
"I believe there's a powerful question we all should be asking ourselves. 'What would you do if you had no fear?' It looks different for everyone. For you, it might be anything from singing lessons to founding a charity. For me, I know the answer to that question right now is something like 'Give a speech to 1,200 people,'" quipped Janzen to raucous laughter from those in attendance.
He invited everyone in attendance to close their eyes and visualize a brick wall directly in front of them.
"Keep this vivid image fixed firmly in your mind. Then, slowly, stretch your hand out ahead of you. There's nothing there. Comes as a bit of a shock, I know, but that's what happens with every wall that we build in our minds, and there isn't any other kind. What I'm saying is, just go for it. walk through those walls and let your only fear be the fear of missing out on something magical. If you do that, the world we share will be all the richer for it. I promise you that your dreams are possible and breathtaking, with the right people by your side."
As is tradition at HTA, the raising of the Knights sword signalled the students to toss their caps and exit the church as grads.
Their commencement day was also the last day of classes for the grads, who will be heading to the Telus Convention Centre for their grad dinner on Friday.
Tue, Jul 2, 11:13 AM
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