ÉSLCHS Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation at Centrium
École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School grads, staff, friends and family filled the Peavey Mart Centrium to celebrate the graduating class of 2025 on June 26, as 317 students crossed the stage.
The ceremony honoured the wide-ranging achievements and individual journeys, while emphasizing themes of growth, gratitude, and resilience. Among the many moments of the day, the introduction of Salutatorian Daisy Butterfield stood out for its warmth and personal meaning.
Teacher Morgan Rattai, who introduced Daisy, reflected on the student’s character and contribution during her time at ÉSLCHS.
“Daisy is the kind of student who manages to do it all, and somehow make it look effortless,” said Rattai. “From academics to figure skating to school leadership and coaching, she consistently showed up engaged and ready to give her best.”
In her Salutatorian address, Daisy spoke candidly and humorously about fear, growth, and stepping into the unknown.
“I am terrified of bees,” she began, drawing laughter from the crowd. “But I’ve learned that growing up is also scary, and it happens whether you’re ready or not.”
Butterfield urged her classmates to take that reality and embrace it.
“The more you try, the more you’ll find that the possibilities outweigh the obstacles,” she said. “We’ve all transformed over these past few years, and we still have growing up to do — but that’s what makes this moment so exciting.”
She closed her remarks with gratitude for the people who helped the Class of 2025 reach this milestone.
“We needed the teachers, parents, families, and friends who supported us, answered our questions, and gave us another reason to keep moving forward.”
In a message to the class, Principal Val Yaremchuk encouraged students to take what they’ve built and step forward with courage and imagination.
“Take the knowledge you’ve gained, the friendships you've built, and the lessons you've learned, and use them to shape the world,” said Yaremchuk. “Embrace the opportunities before you, and, in the words of the band Journey, ‘Don’t stop believing, hold on to that feeling,’ and never stop dreaming. Grads, you are ready to step from midnight dreams to bright new tomorrows, so go forth and shine. To the Grad Class of 2025, congratulations!”
Wolf Creek Public Schools Superintendent Tim De Ruyck also shared his pride in the graduates and the meaning behind the milestone.
“Graduation is a moment to pause and reflect, but also to look forward,” said De Ruyck. “This class has faced challenges with strength and perseverance. They’ve learned how to lead themselves and others. As they move into the next stage of their lives, I’m confident they will take that same mindset into whatever comes next.”
ÉSLCHS Class of 2025
