Barriere Secondary School scholarships and bursaries were awarded to many students on the evening of the graduation ceremony held at the Barriere Curling Arena at the North Thompson Fall Fair grounds on June 14, 2024.
Parents, caregivers, friends, school staff, honoured guests and local officials gathered to honour the graduates in the beautifully decorated arena as the grads entered in their blue and white caps and gowns.
A quote by Roy T. Bennett at the top of the graduation ceremony program read "Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine." It was a very positive message to the seniors about to embark on a new journey following high school.
The master of ceremonies, Barriere Secondary vice principal Andres Ruberg, and the procession of students walked into the songs "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane and Nelly Furtado's '"I'm Like a Bird". Following "O Canada" — performed by the Barriere Elementary and Secondary School String Ensemble — the Simpcw First Nation Drum Group presented an inspiring honour song and a blessing read in Secwépemcstin spoken by Rae Bowser and BSS graduate Cassidy Calahasen.
Greetings were given by the superintendent for School District #73, Dr. Rhonda Nixon; Barriere mayor Ward Stamer; Rhonda Kershaw, the vice-chair of SD 73's Board of Education; Elder Barbara Rhoades from the Two Rivers Métis Society; and Simpcw First Nation councillor Tina Donald.
Barriere Secondary principal John Tyler gave his final speech of the year, addressing the Class of 2024 with humour, emotion and words of advice.
The following are a list of the 2024 scholarships, bursaries and awards announced on June 14 during the graduation ceremony, which also included students being presented with their commencement certificates, followed by the valedictorian address given by graduate Ava Jules. Ruberg concluded with closing remarks and the countdown to the traditional cap toss by grads as the crowd applauded and snapped photos of caps thrown high into the air.
Barriere AG foods Bursaries: Kallen Ross, Gaven Eustache, Deborah Hernandez, Kaydence Kolodiazny
Barriere Bursary Society Academic Bursaries (Barriere Lions Club): Fraser Shilling, Bobby-Raye Farrow, Cassidy Calahasen, Teagen Beeton
Barriere Bursary Society Technical Bursary (Barriere Lions Club): Alexis Nelson
Barriere Chamber of Commerce: Alexis Nelson
Barriere Fire Fighter Association: Bobby-Raye Farrow
Barriere Secondary PAC Scholarships
Fine Arts: Caydence Ewart
Trades: Alexis Nelson, Teagen Beeton
Athletics: Fraser Schilling, Bobby-Raye Farrow
PAC Select: Cohen Hunt, Cassidy Calahasen
Clearwater Dental Clinic Bursary: Teagen Beeton
Danny Proulx memorial Scholarship: Cohen Hunt
David Stamer Memorial Bursary: Alexis Nelson
Fleetwest Enterprises Ltd.: Alexis Nelson
Gilbert Smith Forest Products: Gaven Eustache
Interior Plumbing & Heating: Alexis Nelson
Interior Savings Credit Union: Fraser Schilling, Gaven Eustache, Caydence Ewert, Alexis Nelson, Cohen Hunt, Bobby-Raye Farrow, Cole Harris
Jack Watson: Fraser Schilling, Alexis Nelson
Kamloops Blazers Scholarship & Education Society Award: Fraser Schilling
Kamloops Honda Bursary: Cassidy Calahassen, Gaven Eustache is the Alternate
Kamloops/Thompson Principals & Vice Principals Association Award: Teagen Beeton
Kamloops/Thompson Teachers’ Association Award: Bobby-Raye Farrow
Lower North Thompson Catholic Woman League Bursary: Cohen Hunt
Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society Scholarships: Gaven Eustache, Cassidy Calihassen, Teagen Beeton, Cohen Hunt, Fraser Shilling, Alexis Nelson, Bobby-Raye Farrow, Kallen Ross, Lily Elliot, Caydence Ewert
Nicky Grummett Scholarships: Cohen Hunt, Alexis Nelson
North Thompson Communities Foundation: Cohen Hunt
North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Association Bursary: Bobby-Raye Farrow
North Thompson Star/Journal Bursary: Caydence Ewert
North Thompson Valley Royal Canadian Legion Branch #242 Bursaries: Bobby-Raye Farrow, Gaven Eustache, Teagen Beeton
North Thompson Valley Royal Canadian Legion Branch Ladies Auxiliary: Caydence Ewert, Gaven Eustache
Yellowhead Community Services Society Bursary: Gaven Eustache, Cohen Hunt
Women of St. Paul Bursaries: Debbie Hernandez, Lilly Elliot
Vera Gourley Bursary: Cohen Hunt (Cassidy Calahassen, alternate) and Fraser Shilling (Gavin Eustache, alternate)
