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Catching Dreams: Bassano School Celebrates the Class of 2026

On Saturday, May 23, Bassano School was filled with pride, laughter, and more than a few happy tears as the Class of 2026 officially crossed the stage. Under the theme Catching Dreams — beautifully represented by the dreamcatcher imagery that decorated the program — nine graduates celebrated one of the biggest milestones of their lives surrounded by family, friends, and a community that clearly had their backs every step of the way.

The ceremony was expertly guided by our very own Mr. Braedon Cameron and Mrs. Allison Arsenault, whose warmth and humor kept the afternoon moving with energy and heart.

A Community Celebration

Grad at Bassano is never just a school event; it's a community one. This year was no exception, as the school was joined by Mayor of Bassano Mike Wetzstein, Grasslands Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brandt, and Superintendent of the Siksika Board of Education Chris Scout, each offering their congratulations and well-wishes to the graduating class.

One of the most meaningful moments of the formal ceremony came when Blackfoot Elder Brian Little Chief offered both a message and a traditional Blackfoot blessing for the graduates — a powerful and heartfelt way to send the Class of 2026 forward into their next chapter.

Scholarships and Recognition

The community's investment in this year's grads showed up in a big way during the scholarship portion of the ceremony, with students receiving over $10,000 in awards. The following scholarships were presented on grad day, sponsored by generous local businesses, families, and organisations:

• English 30-1 — Finnegan Farms

• English 30-2 — Western Financial

• Math 30-2 / 30-1 — Heritage Propane

• Physics 30 — Bassano Pharmacy

• Biology 30 — Finnegan Farms

• Chemistry 30 — Nurses '96

• Science 30 — Retired Teachers

• Foods 30 Award — Bassano Farms Ltd.

• CTS Award — Bassano Building Centre

• Bassano School Retired Teachers' Scholarships — Mr. & Mrs. Heron, Mr. & Mrs. Wickson, Mr. & Mrs. Douglass, Mr. & Mrs. Andres, Ms. Connie Lassiter, Mr. & Mrs. Schaffer, Mr. & Mrs. Singular, Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. Steve Muir & Ms. Marian Wilson

• Bassano School SRC — Bassano SRC

• Premier's Citizenship Award — Province of Alberta

• Grads of 2024 Award — Class of 2024

• Bea Schaffer Memorial Award — Bea Schaffer's Family

• Gina Solway Art Award — Solway Family

• Mary Keohane Scholarship — #96 Order of the Eastern Star

• Western Financial Inspirational Bursary Award — Western Financial Group

• Cody Lansdown Memorial Award — Clarke and Follis Families

• Outstanding Success Award — Bassano Masons

• Loran Scholarship — Loran Foundation

Additional scholarships will be presented at the school awards assembly on June 17, once final marks are in:

• Social 30-1 — ATB Financial

• Social 30-2 — Family Foods

• Math 30-3 — Heritage Propane

• Phys Ed 30 — Bassano Minor Hockey

A Message from the Valedictorian

The highlight of the formal ceremony for many was the valedictorian address delivered by Abeera Binat E Wasif, who spoke with poise, honesty, and a whole lot of heart. True to form, Abeera — a self-described "huge reader" wove literary references throughout her speech, and nobody minded one bit.

Reflecting on the grad theme, Abeera reminded her classmates that dreamcatchers are symbols of hope and protection — and that every person in the Class of 2026 had to hold onto something to reach this moment. "A goal. A dream. A hope for the future. Even during moments of overwhelming doubt," she said.

She spoke honestly about the growth she had witnessed in her classmates over their senior year — people stepping outside their comfort zones, supporting one another, and becoming versions of themselves they could be proud of. Her challenge to her fellow grads was simple and unforgettable: "Dream boldly. Dream unapologetically. Dream beyond what people expect from you."

Memories, Next Steps, and a Night to Remember

Guests and graduates were treated to a slideshow that took everyone on a trip down memory lane, watching the Class of 2026 grow from little kids into the young adults sitting on stage.

The celebration continued after the formal ceremony with a grand entrance, the Siksika Drummers performing, the beloved Most Likely To… segment, a tribute to teachers and parents, and of course, the Grand March and parent and escort dances. A group photo was also taken at Ed and Rosemary Chapman's directly following the ceremony.

Thank You

None of it would have been possible without an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes effort. The Class of 2026 and the whole school community owe a huge thank you to Bassano staff and administration, parents, grandparents and guardians, all scholarship sponsors and presenters, the grad organisers and emcees, Ric's Electric, the Siksika Drummers, grade 12 slideshow contributors, the hoodie organisers, the decorating committee, the grade 11 cleanup crew, and the tech and sound crew. And a special nod to the talented graduates who contributed artwork to the program, Nakayda Bingley for the cover, and Christopher Red Old Man and Liberty Spring Chief for the inside pages.

Congratulations to Nakayda Chavarath Bingley, Kolt Kayden Calf Robe, Joseph Stylez Cote-Houle, Christopher Lawrence Laine Red Old Man, Azrik Jasta Running Rabbit-Williams, Ranson Arnold Joseph Running Rabbit, Riley John Solway, Liberty Lily Cree Spring Chief, and Abeera Binat E Wasif.