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 13, 2025.
Parents, caregivers, friends, school staff, honoured guests and local officials gathered to honour the graduates in the beautifully decorated arena as the grads entered, wearing their blue and white caps and gowns. A quote by Dr. Seuss at the top of the graduation ceremony program read “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way.” Adding, “Oh, the places, you’ll go!”
The master of ceremonies, Barriere Secondary vice principal Andres Ruberg, and the procession of students walked in as they were introduced to cheers from the huge crowd of family, friends, staff and fellow students from BSS.
The Simpcw First Nation Drum Group presented an inspiring honour song and a blessing read in Secwépemcstin by Rae Bowser.
Greetings were given by the secretary treasurer for School District #73, Robbie Tallon, offering “best wishes for the future” on behalf of SD #73.
Barriere mayor Rob Kerslake received resounding applause for his words of encouragement, who said, “You did it! This moment matters. You grew up rural right here in Barriere. That means you know what it’s like to be part of a community where people wave, where you know your neighbours and you’ve probably helped someone who isn’t even a relative. That upbringing gave you something special. Resilience. You’ve learned to work hard and laugh when things go sideways. Those skills will carry you farther than you may think. It’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. Growth lives just outside your comfort zone. Don’t quit your daydream, seriously if there’s something you love go after it. Wherever life takes you get involved in your community. Whether you end up in a big city, a small town or somewhere in between, be part of building a place around you. Volunteer, speak up, help out. The world is yours to explore. Be bold, be kind, be curious and never forget you’ve got strong roots in Barriere. That strength will carry you far.”
Heartfelt sentiments to the graduates were also offered from Barriere’s own, Rhonda Kershaw, the vice-chair of SD 73’s Board of Education. She said, “Today you celebrate the results of your dedication and efforts during your high school graduation. This moment marks both an ending and a beginning. The close of your time at Barriere Secondary and the start of exciting new possibilities ahead. I know that each of you has the potential to do something meaningful that makes a difference. We are proud of you and believe in you and we can’t wait to see where you go from here!”
Elder Ms. Melanie Allard from the Two Rivers Métis Society directed her speech looking towards the students. “Every step has been a building block during your time in high school, laying the foundations for the rest of your life. For every ending there is a new beginning. For every memory there is a dream awaiting ahead for you to chase. You’ve already proven that you have the power to turn those dreams into reality. Continue to dream and reach for the stars.”
Simpcw First Nation Kukpi7 (Chief) George Lamopreau welcomed all with a traditional greeting and by thanking the Simpcw drummers. Turning to face the grads directly he said, “Congratulations graduates. You are reaching an important milestone in your life. It’s such an honour to be part of this because this is a memory you will never forget.,” he said and turning towards the crowd he continued, “We honour the parents that got you here today. The love, the sacrifices, and the hard work they made and the dedication to ensure that you got up every day to be sure you got to school. Don’t ever forget that support. One thing you should remember as you travel down this path of life, is that you will be faced with choices, as I’ve counselled my own kids. If you make good choices, you have a good life. Live, love, laugh and remember where you come from. No matter what happens in your life this community is behind you 100 percent. This community hope for only the best for you in the future.”
The next speaker, MLA Ward Stamer, former mayor of Barriere, offered his words of encouragement to the graduates.“You’ve grown through challenges and triumphs surrounded by your peers, your teachers and your family and now standing on the edge of a new beginning we celebrate not just what you’ve accomplished but what you’ve become. You’ve grown into young adults who are capable, curious, resilient, and ready. High school is not just about homework, tests, or report cards. It’s about discovering your passion, building relationships, and finding your voice. It’s about becoming someone who can contribute to something greater than themselves. The beginning of your journey. B.C. is a place of diversity, innovation and caring. You are part of that story. You are stepping into adulthood in one of the most promising regions in the world. Remain positive and allow yourself to grow. Congratulations!”
New principal Derek Markides presented his message to the Class of 2025, “Throughout your years at Barriere Secondary you’ve worked dedicating yourselves to learning, persevering through challenges, and celebrating both small victories and major milestones. You are a class filled with diverse gifts, kind hearts, and strong spirits. You’ve shown leadership, creativity and an unwavering sense of community, qualities that reflect the very best of Barriere Secondary. For all of us here at Barriere Secondary thank you for the memories, the laughter and the legacy you leave behind. We are so incredibly proud of you.”
The opening speeches were followed by the presentation of scholarships, bursaries and awards, the commencement certificates, valedictorians joint address by Jeff Fennell and Isabella MacDougall and the traditional hat toss to mark the end of the evening and year with rounds of cheers going up into the air along with the caps thrown by the BSS Class of 2025.
