Erica Kennedy with Principal Rick Croshaw. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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Thanking parents, teachers and coaches, Erica Kennedy told them their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.

Big River High School’s graduation ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon and Kennedy is this year’s Valedictorian. In her address to the crowd, she recalled how it felt like just yesterday when she and her classmates were excited about grade 7 orientation

“We were so excited to come to the big school,” she said.

Kenney, who has been in Big River from Pre-K to grade 12, graduated with a grade point average of 92.8 per cent. She also received several scholarships and bursaries which will assist her in her pursuit of a nursing degree.

In addition to her school work, and involvement in sports, Kennedy also works at the local grocery store and volunteers at the local care home. She recalled some of her favourite memories from high school involved the class trips – cross-country skiing at Ness Creek and scuba diving in North Battleford.

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“It’s times like these that I’m gonna miss,” she said

Erica Kennedy acknowledged some of the funniest stories involved the random conversations in class. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In her closing remarks, Kennedy quoted Les Brown and reminded her classmates to accept responsibility for their lives as they are the ones responsible for getting to where they want to go.

“My advice to my fellow graduates is to follow your dreams and continue to make mistakes and learn from them throughout your journey after high school,” she said.

Speaking afterwards with paNOW Kennedy acknowledged the pandemic that arose in her grade 9 year, halting classes.

“And then to come back to grade 10 in masks and It was definitely very different and no sports which is something I really love but yeah we’ve grown and it seems to be more normal now which was really good for my senior year.”

In the fall, Kennedy will attend Sask Polytechnic in Saskatoon. When asked why she chose nursing, Kennedy explained she always wanted to do something in that field.

This year’s class had 12 students with a range of planned pursuits that include travelling, teaching, health care and heavy truck operator.

Emry Price receives an award from Principal Rick Croshaw. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A number of bursaries were handed out on Wednesday including three from the local legion. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell