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Centennial grads start new journey

Students adopt new custom to the graduation ceremonies.
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Centennial Christian School graduated 15 students this year. Dressed in their finest are

CENTENNIAL Christian School grads this year adopted a European custom during ceremonies held to mark the end of their secondary school education.

Following a meal held at Northwest Community College, the 15 students were each presented with a dove which they then released into the air.

The birds gathered up in formation before heading back to their local home.

“It was quite something, very symbolic. It means the start of something new, a new journey,” said principal Edgar Veldman of the occasion.

The tradition is Ukrainian in origin, he said, and was the suggestion of parent Jeanette Ewald who has lived in the Ukraine and who suggested it be used in Terrace.

“And one of the parents said he had birds and that’s how it happened,” said Veldman of Erbert Operana who supplied the flock.

The 2014 Centennial grad class at 15 students is one of the largest in the 13 years the school has offered a full secondary school education. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 13 years already,” said Veldman.

After the event at the college, grads, parents, teachers and guests gathered at the Evangelical Free Church where each grad was gently roasted in turn and various aspects of their lives were shared with the audience.

Scholarships were handed out and a complete list of the recipients is below.

C.C.S. School Board Scholarship - $500.00 - Jason Bandstra

The C.C.S. School Board Scholarship will be awarded to the graduating student who best combines the school goals with respect to Christian direction, social responsibilities, and academic scholarship.

C.C.S Staff Discipleship Scholarship - $500.00 – Sydney Mantel

The C.C.S. Staff Discipleship Scholarship will be given annually by the staff of Centennial Christian to a student who strives to uphold the Lordship of Christ in all things and demonstrates the desire to serve God, encourage others, and exercise discernment in all aspects of life.

The Trevor John Bandstra Memorial Scholarship - $500.00 - Renee Ewald

The Trevor John Bandstra Memorial Scholarship will be given in memory of Trevor John Bandstra, a student of CCS from K-8.  Trevor was a passionate individual full of life and love for our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Trevor John Bandstra Memorial Scholarship will be given to a student who is pursuing post-secondary studies, is active in school and community events, and who has demonstrated empathy and a heart for those in need.

The Home Hardware: Trade/Vocational Scholarship - $500.00 - Joshua Sexton

Trade/Vocational Scholarship will be awarded to a student who was active in school and community events and intends to enter a program at a trade/vocational/technology school

Bandstra Transportation Scholarship - $500.00 - Lovene Operana

The Bandstra Transportation Scholarship will be given annually to students who have worked hard and persevered while in high school and plan on attending a university or college. Preference will be given to students with financial needs and who are involved with school and community events.

Bandstra Transportation Scholarship - $500.00 – Ryan Roseboom

The Bandstra Transportation Scholarship will be given annually to students who have worked hard and persevered while in high school and plan on attending a university or college. Preference will be given to students with financial needs and who are involved with school and community events.

Trade/Vocational Scholarship - $500.00 - Jason Pires

Trade/Vocational Scholarship will be awarded to a student who was active in school and community events and intends to enter a program at a trade/vocational/technology school.

Heart and Hands Scholarship - $500.00 – Chelsea MacDonald

The Heart and Hands Scholarship will be awarded annually to the graduating student who has chosen to become involved in Heart and Hands events and/or has gone above and beyond in volunteering his/her time in events and/or clubs that benefit the entire school community.

Academic Excellence and Commitment Scholarship - $500.00 – Krystal Behnke

The Academic Excellence and Commitment Scholarship will be awarded to the graduating student who has dedicated himself or herself to academic excellence in school and through determination and hard work has taken on difficult challenges and has succeeded.

Mrs. V.A. Lindsay Memorial Scholarship - $300.00 – Marietess Robinson

In memory of Dr. Davis Lindsay's grandmother who generously supported his university education, this scholarship will be awarded to a student who has been an active member of the fine arts program(s)at CCS and preference will be given to students pursuing a post-secondary education in the visual arts, music, drama, or related field.

Lindsay Family Scholarship - $300.00 – Lovene Operana

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who took on leadership opportunities while attending CCS and who demonstrated kindness, gentleness, humility, and self-sacrifice while leading.

The MESH Scholarship - $500.00 – Sydney Mantel

The MESH Scholarship is named after the grandchildren of Mrs. Vicki McQuade and in memory of Mrs.Vicki McQuade, a teacher at Centennial Christian School from 1987-2005. The MESH Scholarship will be awarded to the graduating student who is hard working, committed, and intends to enroll in any post-secondary program. The recipient of the MESH Scholarship will have clearly identified the impact Centennial Christian has made on his/her daily walk with our Lord and Saviour.

The Kollias Soccer Scholarship - $250.00 – Renee Ewald

The Kollias Soccer Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student who was actively involved in soccer in Terrace for many years in the capacity of player. Preference will be given to those who also helped with coaching, refereeing and clinics in the community.

The Mantel Foundation Scholarship - $1000.00 – Jason Bandstra

The Mantel Foundation Scholarship is given in honour of Jacob and Grace Mantel, two of the original founders of the "Terrace Calvin Christian School Society." Jacob and Grace Mantel owned and operated a market garden and flower sales business on the land on which Centennial Christian School is situated. The scholarship is also given in memory of Rosalie Vis, one of the first students to graduate from Centennial and Jane Mantel, an active committee member dedicated to the vision of Centennial Christian School. The Mantel Foundation Scholarship will be given to the graduating student who will immediately continue to pursue his/her education at an accredited Christian college or university. (If more than one student qualifies the one who has attended Centennial Christian School the longest will receive the scholarship.)

The Kumpolt Family Service and Sacrifice Scholarship - $300.00 – Jason Pires

The Kumpolt Family Service and Sacrifice Scholarship will be given to a student who has served their community and has sacrificed his/herself for the sake of others. Preference will be given to students who plan on continuing his/her education in an area that will serve others by nurturing their emotional, physical or educational needs. The recipient will have been active within the school community by participating in sports, drama and other school activities.

The Kumpolt Family Service and Sacrifice Scholarship - $300.00 – Lovene Operana

The Kumpolt Family Service and Sacrifice Scholarship will be given to a student who has served their community and has sacrificed his/herself for the sake of others. Preference will be given to students who plan on continuing his/her education in an area that will serve others by nurturing their emotional, physical or educational needs. The recipient will have been active within the school community by participating in sports, drama and other school activities.

Student Choice Scholarship - $500.00 – Renee Ewald

The Student Choice Scholarship recipient is chosen by the Grade 12 Graduating Class. The graduates have chosen the recipient of this scholarship using the following criteria: The Student Choice Scholarship will be awarded to the graduate who has approached his/her school work with diligence and hard work, has chosen to become actively involved in school events, and has approached their work with a positive and Christ like attitude.

CCS Athletic Scholarship - $500.00 – Nathan Struyk

The CCS Athletic Scholarship will be awarded to the graduating student who demonstrated sportsmanship, leadership, integrity and commitment while representing CCS in his or her sport. This scholarship will be awarded to the student athlete who was able to model a Christ like approach to competition while also volunteering his or her time to the athletic program.

Science and Mathematics Scholarship - $500.00 – Jason Bandstra

The Science and Mathematics Scholarship will be awarded to the student who has shown an aptitude in both Science and Math and who will be pursuing a post-secondary education in one or both of these fields

Minerals North Scholarship - $500.00 – Lucas Lanterman

The Minerals North Scholarship will be given to two students who will be pursuing careers in the mining industry or related fields of study involving the trades. Preference will be given to students who have been active in school and community events.

Minerals North Scholarship - $250.00 – Jared Terpstra

The Minerals North Scholarship will be given to two students who will be pursuing careers in the mining industry or related fields of study involving the trades. Preference will be given to students who have been active in school and community events.

Minerals North Scholarship - $250.00 – Joshua Sexton

The Minerals North Scholarship will be given to two students who will be pursuing careers in the mining industry or related fields of study involving the trades. Preference will be given to students who have been active in school and community events.

The TYSA George Bujtas Memorial Scholarship - $500.00 – Nathan Struyk

The TYSA scholarship will be awarded to the athlete who has participated in and contributed to Terrace Youth soccer. Consideration will be given to the athlete's contribution to sport of all kinds through volunteering to coach, officiate or help in other ways.

The Voogd Family Theatre Arts Scholarship - $500.00 – Krystal Behnke

Frank and Jo-Anne Voogd, former staff members of CCS, wish to celebrate the creativity students have as image-bearers of our Lord. The Theatre Arts Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student who was wholeheartedly engaged in, and challenged by, the rehearsal and performance aspects of the annual high school theatrical productions. This person enthusiastically participated in warm-ups, strove to carry out his/her role and responsibilities with passion, and sought to build community on and off the set. This scholarship acknowledges the recipient's personal growth and dedication and seeks to encourage his/her desire to honor our creative God as he/she pursues post-secondary studies.