CANORA - Earning a scholarship is a proud moment for pretty much any graduate, and there were numerous scholarships awarded at the Canora Composite School Graduation on June 29.
A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the Chase Kraynick Memorial Scholarship. Chase would have no doubt graduated with the 2023 class if he had not suddenly lost his life much too soon at the age of six. The scholarship was presented by Rachel Kraynick, who addressed those in attendance, including the graduating class.
“I am the mother of a very special little boy who would have been part of this 2023 graduating class, Chase Andrew Kraynick. As many of you know, near the end of your kindergarten year, Chase's life was cut short in a tragic accident on May 24, 2011,” said Rachel.
“Although he was only six years old at his passing, he left an immeasurable impact on our family and many of you here today. He has become forever branded as the ‘Pay it Forward’ boy within our community and has caused a ripple effect of kindness and generosity that has affected so many lives and will never be forgotten. We would like to thank you all for letting us be a part of your special day. Not only would this have been Chase's graduating day but the day his classmates and best friends, including his cousin Everett (Paley) are beginning the next chapter of their lives. We are honored this evening to award one recipient of your graduating class with a ‘Pay it Forward’ scholarship in memory of Chase. This is a one-time memorial scholarship that is not an academic or athletic award, but rather one that recognizes the Pay it Forward character attributes of individuals that make our world a better place to live.”
Rachel shared that many of the 2023 CCS graduates had the opportunity to attend the Canora Junior Elementary school with Chase.
“In that year, your kindergarten year, CJES had implemented a lesson of paying it forward,” she said. “I don't know if you remember, but you all came home with a pay it forward card that year. Paying it forward is when you perform a random act of kindness or generosity for another person and then they feel inspired to do a good deed for another person and so on and so forth. It is when an individual is willing to give their time, talents, energy, or money without expecting anything in return.
“When Chase came home with his, he was always looking for ways to help or support his family, friends, and neighbours. Whether it was opening doors for others, shoveling the neighbor's driveway, or helping me with dinner dishes, he would find ways to help and make a difference. Reflecting on how a six-year-old boy could use his time, talents, abilities, and attributes to help others is a lesson for us all. I'm sure each of you found ways to make a difference with your "Pay it Forward" card and still find ways to, till this day.”
Rachel said the following criteria were provided to the teachers to select the Chase Kraynick Memorial scholarship winner who:
- demonstrates a giving spirit towards helping others;
- is an active participant in school and community;
- builds others up, promoting cooperation and respect while setting a positive example in all their actions and words;
- demonstrates leadership, initiative, self-control, along with a strong work ethic; and
- always gives their best effort, even when the going gets tough.
Rachel said they were provided with a long list of students who met the criteria for the scholarship. But the difficult choice was made and the scholarship winner was Jaxon Bisschop.
“Chase made a difference and I know that each one of you do as well,” Rachel said to the graduates as she congratulated the winner.
The remaining scholarships were presented to 15 deserving students.
Jeff Bisschop awarded the Crossroads Credit Union scholarship to Zoe Thomas.
Kailey Sleeva received the Ernie Anuik scholarship, the Canora Hospital Auxiliary scholarship, the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League scholarship, and one of two University of Regina entrance scholarships.
The Darryl Rock Memorial scholarship was won by Joey Palagian, who also earned the Community Insurance Scholarship and one of two University of Regina entrance scholarships.
Meadow Ostafie was the winner of the Richardson Pioneer scholarship and one of two Canora Ag Society scholarships.
Cole Marcinkoski received the RCMP Canora/Sturgis Detachment scholarship. Hayden Strelioff was the winner of one of two Canora Ag Society scholarships.
The Beta Sigma Phi Xi Master scholarship went to Jayden Burym. Latifah Severight received the CIBC scholarship.
The Aspen Paramedic Services scholarship was won by Methyl Trask. Robin Skurat was the winner of the Warren Davis scholarship. Kenyon Figuereo-Savinon accepted the Gateway Co-op scholarship.
The Leson’s Funeral Home & Monumental scholarship was presented to Tomas Hauber. Logan Lewchuk won the Nutrien AG Solutions scholarship.
Jackson Krotenko accepted the Town of Canora scholarship, and Ethan Heshka won the TK Welding scholarship.
