Black Gold Outreach School celebrated its high school graduation on June 8, 2023, marking the achievements of students from both the Beaumont and Leduc campuses. This year 52 students completed high school graduation requirements via Outreach, and 27 of these grads chose to participate in the ceremony at the McLab Theatre.
The ceremony aimed to create a memorable experience for each student, highlighting their individual achievements and recognizing their hard work and dedication. Inspiring bios described their interests, dreams for the future, memories of Outreach, and obstacles they’ve surmounted. These stories showed students overcoming anxiety, bullying, health challenges, the loss or illness of close family members, and other tough circumstances to achieve their graduation milestone. The acceptance and comfort they found at Outreach, where they each felt appreciated for who they were, allowed them to grow and learn.
Family and friends travelled from as far as Fort McMurray to celebrate these students. Many of the 250 audience members–each student’s family and supporting friends, as well as the Outreach staff–know in detail the hardships their grad faced. An atmosphere of communal triumph, arising from years of perseverance and support, accompanied the students as they walked across the stage.
During the ceremony, Black Gold Trustees Esther Eckert and Gary Hansen and Associate Superintendent Cal Monty congratulated the graduates, commending them for their dedication, resilience, and perseverance. The ceremony also included several student awards. Kira Hardy-Russell and Jessica Morris received the Principal’s award for perseverance, school spirit, and community involvement; while the Outstanding Outreach Student awards recognized Madeline Atkinson, Dustin Cousineau, Cadenz Matter, and Kai Turner for their positive contribution to school culture with their diligent work ethic and friendliness.
Valedictorian Keaton Heigh and Salutatorian Ray Lang inspired attendees with the stories of their personal journeys. They urged grads to carry forward the lessons learned at Black Gold Outreach as they pursue future endeavors. Students Cadenz Matter, Oliver Dixon, and Marc James gave positive and touching thanks to staff. Lana Atkinson provided a thoughtful and encouraging parent response, and teacher Lena Lidstone replied with humor and support on behalf of staff.
The evening ended with a standing reception, where students, staff, and supporters could visit and celebrate together. Black Gold Outreach would like to thank local company Apulia Catering for the delicious food and great service, as well as for providing a discount for this special night. Thanks also to the staff at the McLab Theatre for ensuring the event ran smoothly.
Black Gold Outreach takes pride in nurturing and empowering students through individualized education and a supportive learning environment. The grad ceremony showcased the success of this approach with this year’s grads. With this tangible evidence of their academic success behind them, the school family extends best wishes to each grad in their future pursuits.
