By Susan Swan
Congratulations grads
The gymnasium at David Stoddart School was decked in white mini-lights and black draping fabric for the Paris-themed graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 17. Family, friends, and members of the community were assembled to congratulate this year’s graduates.
Seven Clinton grads took to the stage, dressed in their finery. Several of the speakers expressed what everyone was thinking: “Boy, these young people do us proud!” Graduating this year were Yuki Ai, Selina Ambler, Chailynn Fletcher, Kaytlan Kane, Jenna Monsos, Darcy Parker, and Mike Wang.
The grads had chosen Karen Miller to be their guest speaker, and she didn’t disappoint. She spoke of her own graduation on the same stage 20 years ago and how she had got to know each of the grads, and through tears wished them well in their futures.
During the presentation of scholarships and bursaries it became clear that the bulk of them were split between Selina Ambler and Chailynn Fletcher, both of whom are going on to further their educations in the fall. Selina was awarded bursaries by the Clinton Community Forest, Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association, Integris Credit Union, West Fraser Chasm Mill, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #194, Gold Trail Teachers’ Association, Clinton Community Twirlers, and C.U.P.E.
Chailynn Fletcher accepted bursaries from the Clinton Community Forest, Clinton Health Care Auxiliary, the Jimmy Bourgeois Bursary, Clinton Community Twirlers, C.U.P.E., and the District Indigenous Scholarship Award.
Yuki Ai received a bursary from Integris Credit Union. In presenting the Gold Trail Administrators’ Association bursary, DSS Principal Carol Pickering explained her choice by saying that the student chosen had put in a lot of effort and work to succeed, especially since English was not his first language. With that she presented the bursary to Mike Wang.
Following the presentation of diplomas and the closing of the commencement ceremony, the students gathered in Reg Conn Centennial Park for photos. A dinner for the grads, their families, and friends followed.
Congratulations to each and every grad. You have spent years in a structured environment. Now you go forth to make your way in the world. Best of luck to each of you as you continue to “Make us proud!”
Special visitors
The Village of Clinton saw 12 members of the Dissien-Striesow fire department in Germany touring the area in the first week of June.
When the Mill Girl Follies were entertaining at the International Folk Festival in Germany in 2015 they met these folks and were treated extremely well. A sister-village program was proposed, as they had much in common with the Village of Clinton. They are proud of their history, have a museum and a fire department, etc. much like Clinton. As part of the outreach, these 12firefighters travelled to Clinton to take part in some training with the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and some of the other local departments.
On Monday, June 5 they attended the regular weekly practice with the Clinton VFD, where they had the opportunity to see the highway rescue equipment in action. They said that they do not have large firetrucks like the ones here, so they got to ride in the firetrucks and have a hands-on approach to handling the fire hoses.
Throughout the week they visited several neighbouring fire departments, went whitewater rafting at Kumsheen, and toured the area. On Friday, June 9 they met with Mayor Jim Rivett and Councillors Diana Guerin and Susan Swan in the council chambers. Mayor Rivett welcomed them with mementos and explained some of the projects being worked on.
They toured the Clintonwater treatment plant and museum before joining Mayor Rivett and Councillor Swan at the Cariboo Lodge for lunch. Councillor Guerin was unable to attend the lunch, but she had purchased a Village of Clinton flag, which was presented to the group.
From there they attended a presentation at David Stoddart School. Saturday evening was a wrap-up barbecue at the home of their hosts, Bernice Weihs Anderson and Graham Anderson.
Their return flight was on Sunday, June 11, and I’m sure they were exhausted from their busy schedule. It was an interesting exchange which I hope will be repeated.
Knit in Public Day
The cool, damp weather did not deter the small group of avid knitters who participated in the second annual Clinton Knit in Public Day on Saturday, June 10. They were set up under a canopy beside the Clinton Museum.
The Knit in Public Day is an international event with the moto “Better Living Through Stitching Together”. Hot dogs were available, with all proceeds going to the museum.
Museum birthday bash
Speaking of the museum, June 23 will see the 61st Birthday Bash and Name that Face Event. In honour of the 61st anniversary of the Clinton Museum, there will be a birthday party at the Clinton Memorial Hall from noon to 8 p.m.
On hand will be a large number of recently donated items from the Clinton Twirlers/Majorettes, as well as photos, albums, and more from the soon to be gone Clinton Elementary School. It is hoped that area residents can help identify items in the collection and faces in the photos.
Cake will be served from 2:30 p.m. Come and share memories and take a walk down memory lane.
Music in the Park
The ever-popular Music in the Park will be starting up soon in Clinton, so mark your calendars. On July 2 the German folk band Rumpelstolz will perform in Reg Conn Centennial Park beginning at 7 p.m. The band consists of three fellows with up to 25 instruments—everything from archaic medieval instruments to more modern guitars, spoons, and washboards—on stage with them.
The Mill Girl Follies met this group at an International Folk Festival in Germany, and extended an invitation to come to the Cariboo. The band will be accompanied by Clinton resident Daniela Dyck, who will also assist with translation as needed.
Plan to come down to the park and enjoy the festivities. Bring a camp chair or blanket (and perhaps some insect repellent). Then mark your calendar for the July 29 Music in the Park, featuring Jeremy Willis with David Arlen Park opening.