COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Congratulations to graduates of 2025

Congratulations to the graduates of 2025! Graduating from high school is a major achievement and the beginning of adulthood for all the graduates. Whether you go off to university, learn a trade, or take some time to figure things out, it is now your time to make a mark on the community that serves you.

Besides education, school teaches many important lessons. Show up on time, have discipline, and work hard. Along the way, while learning these important traits, many relationships are formed, whether it be through sports, music or dance to mention just a few activities.

Seeing so many young, talented graduates shows we have a great future here in Manitoba. Youth bring energy to our community as they assert themselves as the next generation.

We are blessed that here in Manitoba, we have the privilege to attend school and build a base of knowledge while growing up, not everyone in the world has this same opportunity.

In Springfield-Ritchot, one group of graduating students made a major impact on their community. I would like to recognize the Springfield Collegiate Institute football team for their contribution to Oakbank and the entire province of Manitoba. Three years ago, coaches Marcel Peltier and Tom Walls attended a football award dinner and were inspired by a student who won the Harry Hood Memorial Trophy. The Harry Hood Memorial Trophy recognizes a student for their contribution on the field, in the classroom, and in their community. After seeing this, Mr. Peltier and Mr. Walls got their team more involved in the community. Over the past three years, the team has volunteered by cleaning the Springfield fire station, running a food drive in Anola, setting up and taking down tents, etc. for the Andrew Dunn walk, cleaning up after Chicken Daze Fair in Oakbank, running an item drive for the Ukrainian Newcomer Centre, and playing games with Seniors at Kin Place in Oakbank. After all this work, Springfield Collegiate Institute took home the Harry Hood Memorial Trophy in 2024. This experience gave the students valuable real-life encounters in assisting the people around them. The feeling of helping someone is something that money cannot buy. We are grateful for coaches like Marcel Peltier and Tom Walls for starting this initiative with the football team and inspiring graduating students to help their community.

In conclusion, take a moment to recognize where you stand in your community and how you as a young adult can make an impact.

As always, the work I value is serving you and your family as your representative for Springfield-Ritchot. I welcome your questions or comments by email to Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail to Box 150, Oakbank, Manitoba R0E 1J0.