Today is graduation day in Landmark.
    
Thirty-two students will graduate Wednesday afternoon from Landmark Collegiate. Principal Greg Sawatzky says that is an average size graduation class for their school.

In looking back at this group, Sawatzky says the teachers would agree that they like to learn. He refers to them as inquisitive, dedicated and willing to take on whatever challenges are thrown their way. 

"The class has got a number of outgoing students who are generally motivated, many know what they want to do after high school," he explains. "They are just a fun group with a good sense of humour. Generally close-knit group, despite missing out on a full year of shared experiences."

The graduating class has selected Kieanna Plett as its Valedictorian. Sawatzky says Plett is one of those students who is willing to do anything to make the school a better place. 

"She's one of these kids that everybody likes and respects and wants to be around," he adds. "She is inclusive, she's just got this positive aura around her and she's just friendly and the grads really picked a good person to represent them."

Plett says she is excited to address her peers and those present at Wednesday's graduation ceremony. 

"I think it's a great honour to be chosen," she says. "The fact that they picked me is really special and I'm excited to share things that I have learned with them and also share things that I think we've learned as a class."

Plett says the message she would like to extend to her classmates is that in the big picture, their high school years will seem like a small accomplishment. Rather than getting caught up in that, she encourages them to focus more on the relationships that have been made. 

"I think relationships are a huge thing that once we go in the workplace or in life, even with our families, relationships are so important," she adds. "I really want this grad class to see the importance in that and learn how we can create healthy relationships with each other and know how to continue that forward going on in life."

Plett says this summer will include working at Bird River Bible Camp before heading to University of Manitoba in the fall to study kinesiology. She says a big thank you to the entire staff at Landmark Collegiate for making this last year as normal as possible.