The celebration included a heartfelt ceremony with speeches from Principal Ms. Karen Schmidt, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division Superintendent Ms. Chantel Axani, and Piikani Nation Chief Mr. Troy Knowlton. Principal Schmidt shared her personal connection to this year’s graduating class.
“Our Grade 12 students and parents have put together a huge effort to get to today,” said Ms. Schmidt. “We have 25 students graduating and it’s extra special for me because one of them is my youngest son. Their motto really does fit this class because they’ve been through everything from COVID to multiple challenges, both inside and outside of the school. Each has their own story and brings a unique gift to this stage today.”
This year’s class motto, “Today’s Accomplishments Were Yesterday’s Impossibilities,” captured the journey of a class that has weathered unprecedented times together, emerging stronger and united.
“Being named valedictorian was really special for me because my second and third oldest sisters were both valedictorians, so it sort of became a tradition that I was excited to carry on,” said Citrigno. “It means a lot to graduate with this class because many of us have been together since preschool. My best friend and I have been in the same class together since we were four years old. It feels like we’ve all grown together, and I wouldn’t trade going to a small school for anything.”
Citrigno, who will be heading to Northwest Polytechnic in Grande Prairie to play basketball on scholarship and study business, expressed gratitude for the close bonds formed over the years.
“As a class, we’ve supported each other and been there for each other. No one wants to see anyone fail, so it’s nice to have that support — because you know you have that family,” he shared.
In addition to receiving their graduation certificates from Principal Schmidt and Superintendent Axani, students took time to share memories of former teachers, reflect on the class’s history, make lighthearted predictions for one another’s futures, and enjoy a nostalgic slideshow that captured their journey from childhood to graduation.
Following the ceremony, the celebrations continued with the Grand March and traditional dances with parents and friends, marking a special rite of passage for the graduates. The day concluded with a formal dinner for all graduates and their loved ones, providing one final moment of connection and celebration before the students begin their next chapter.
The 2025 graduation of St. Michael’s School, Pincher Creek, was not just a milestone for the students but a celebration of community, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds formed in faith and learning.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!