‘Where did the time go?’

Speeches of faith and reflection filled the Blumenort Community Church for the 32 graduating students at Steinbach Christian School (SCS) on June 20.

Tabitha Hildebrandt, substitute teacher, consistently joked how her speech was supposed to be 15 minutes long but instead was only going to talk for 12 minutes, the remaining three minutes is their last assignment.

She gave seven pieces of advice and reminders to the class of 2025.

Hildebrandt said to invest in people not things, not to accept failure in a relationship with God, and that learning is lifelong.

She also gave dating advice.

“Here’s how I recommend finding that perfect match: run. Run as fast and as hard as you can toward Jesus, and if you notice somebody keeping up with you, introduce yourself,” said Hildebrandt.

After her 12-minute speech, she tasked the remaining three to the graduating class.

“All I ask is that with three small minutes a day, spend time in the Word. Three small minutes a day will lead to many more joyous moments with him in prayer, scriptures, and in your life. He brought you here. Spend time with Him. Let Him love you,” Hildebrandt said.

The school’s choir sang a couple of worship songs before the graduates received their diplomas.

The most awarded of the evening was Brendon Thiessen, who took home six awards including the Male Varsity Athlete of the Year, Top Academic Award, and the Governor General’s Bronze Medal for having the highest average in Grade 11 and 12.

Thiessen earned a 98.6 percent average.

“It seems like last year we were just figuring out how to do high school, but now all of a sudden, we’re wearing caps and gowns and people are congratulating us on graduating. Where did the time go?” said Sonya Doerksen, valedictorian.

Doerksen’s speech inlcuded advice from her choir teacher, Mr. Fast.

“Mr. Fast once said, ‘Follow your dreams. Just make sure you don’t have stupid ones. And stay close to Jesus, He’s everything you’ll ever need,’” she said.

Another student’s family flew out from across the globe to see her walk across the stage.

Some of Linh Vo’s family travelled from Vietnam, California, Florida, and British Columbia.

Vo plans to pursue nursing in British Columbia.