Baldur School’s Class of 2026 celebrated

On Monday, June 22 prior to the ceremony, the graduates took part in a parade through town with the local fire truck leading the way. The graduates followed in their own classic mode of transportation, waving to onlookers who lined the streets, cheering them on as they marked this important milestone.

Baldur School Principal, Laurie Glenn-Martindale, reflected on the four graduates at the ceremony which was held in the school gymnasium.

Good evening parents, families, faculty, and – most importantly – the four young men sitting before us. The graduating Class of 2026.
Usually, a principal stands up here and addresses a massive crowd. They talk about “the student body” or “the collective whole.” But we don’t have a crowd today. We have four distinct individuals.

There is nowhere to hide in a class of four. We’ve known exactly when you didn’t do the reading, we’ve known exactly who took the last slice of pizza, and we’ve seen every single one of your triumphs and struggles up close. But because there was nowhere to hide, you never had the option to blend into the background. You couldn’t hide behind a crowd, which meant you had no choice but to be exactly who you are.

And who you are is a remarkable mix.

If we tried to find a single mold that fits this class, we’d fail completely. You are four entirely different personalities, with different strengths, different drives, and different ways of looking at the world.

We have Inaki Aburto, our artist. But Inaki isn’t just a creative soul; he is a powerhouse academic. He is the definition of determination, a young man who works incredibly hard, refuses to cut corners, and is driven to do well in everything he sets his mind to. He reminds us that true creativity pairs beautifully with a relentless work ethic.

We have Sawyer MacKay, our musician. On any given day, Sawyer is the definition of calm, cool, and collected. He is steady, grounded, and completely unphased. But then you put him behind a drum set, and this completely different side comes out – he absolutely rocks out, bringing an incredible, explosive energy to the music. He reminds us that quiet waters run deep, and still waters can hold an incredible beat.

We have Max Janz, our athlete. Max brings a distinct balance to our school; he is quiet and reserved in the classroom, keeping a low profile in the halls. But when it comes to sports, that quiet exterior gives way to a deeply competitive spirit. He shows us that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to have a powerful drive to succeed.

And we have Bryson Anderson, our connector. Bryson is exceptionally kind and genuinely personable. He has that rare, effortless gift of being able to have a meaningful conversation with absolutely anyone, bridging any gap and making everyone around him feel seen and valued. He reminds us of the incredible power of everyday human connection.

Gentlemen, you didn’t try to force yourselves into a single tight-knit clique. You didn’t feel the need to change your stripes just to match the guy sitting next to you. Instead, you spent your high school years running hard in your own lanes, maintaining a quiet, steady respect for one another.

As you step out of these doors, the world is going to try to change you. The world loves crowds. It loves algorithms, trends, and fitting people into neat little boxes. It is going to try to convince you to tone down your individuality so you can blend in.

My highest charge to you today is simple: Don’t let it.

Your superpower is that you already know how to be an individual. You’ve spent years in a room of four, where your voice had to be your own. Do not trade your original character for a cheap copy just to fit into a larger room.

If you are the artist, keep finding the beauty others miss. If you are the musician, don’t let the world change your tune. If you are the athlete, keep pushing the limits. If you are the connector, keep building those bridges.

The world doesn’t need a crowd of identical people. It desperately needs the specific, undiluted version of who you are right now.

As you four branch out into different worlds, remember the lessons of this small room:

Your presence matters. In a class of four, if one person is missing, the whole room feels empty. Carry that knowledge with you – you matter in every room you walk into.

Respect the differences in others. Just as you grew up alongside three guys who think and live differently than you, always appreciate the people out there who bring a skill to the table that you don’t have.

Own your lane. Success isn’t about beating someone else at their game; it’s about mastering your own.

To the parents and families here today: thank you for trusting us with your sons. You didn’t raise a crowd; you raised four independent, resilient young men who are entirely themselves.

That is a massive achievement.

Gentlemen, look to your left and to your right. You are heading toward different horizons, driven by different passions. But as you walk across this stage to take your diplomas, remember that you are the distinct, irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind Class of 2026.

Be bold, be kind, and above all, stay exactly who you are. Congratulations.

The presentations of diplomas, awards and scholarships then took place with the recipients as follows:

Graduate Awards and Scholarships

Baldur School Grade 12 Award of Merit. Presented to the Grade 12 student who has a strong work ethic and demonstrates a positive, responsible attitude toward learning and the learning environment – Brycen Anderson.

Baldur School Grade 12 Highest Academic Standing Award. Presented to the Grade 12 student with the highest academic standing in the 2025/2026 school year. Grade 12 academic course average and academic course selection will be taken into consideration, as well as overall learning attitude – Inaki Aburto.

Baldur Legion Graduate Award. Presented to a graduating student who best exemplifies a high level of community spirit and has been a positive contributing force in Baldur School and other aspects of his/her life – Max Janz.

Baldur High School Male Athlete of the Year. Presented to the student who has participated in a minimum of two (2) high school sports representing his school in the 2025/2026 school year. The criteria for this award also includes the athlete’s overall character, attitude, work ethic and leadership qualities – Max Janz.

The Belmont Knox United Church Bursary. Presented to a graduating student who resides in the Town of Belmont – Sawyer MacKay.

The Fowler Scholarship. Presented to a graduating student having a high academic standing in his/her Grade 12 studies and who has made a contribution to Baldur School and is continuing his/her post-secondary education. The successful recipient must set an example of leadership and character – Sawyer MacKay.

Prairie Spirit School Division Graduate Merit Award. Presented to the student who, through his/her school years, has demonstrated consistent effort in scholastic achievement and has exhibited qualities of leadership by example and service to others – Sawyer MacKay.

RBC Scholarship. Presented to a graduating student who has contributed to the culture of Baldur School by being personable and displaying positive characteristics that others can look up to within the school – Brycen Anderson.

R.M. of Argyle Health Field Scholarship. Presented to a graduating student who is furthering his/her education with a plan to join a health care field – Inaki Aburto.

RM of Argyle Science Scholarship. Presented to a student continuing his/her studies, with the highest academic achievement in Senior 4 Science (Physics 40S, Chemistry 40S or Biology 40S) – Inaki Aburto.

Sandy Rigaux Scholarship. This scholarship was formed in memory of Sandy Riguax, a long time early childhood educator, who was known for her love of children, and dedication to helping children learn. Scholarship recipients must show evidence of acceptance into a full-time Canadian Post-Secondary program focused on Early Childhood Education, or other full-time child development programs. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated school and community leadership, as well as school and community volunteerism (that have benefitted children within Baldur) – Brycen Anderson.

Sena Gunnlaugson Memorial Scholarship. Presented to the graduating student living in the RM of Argyle who has demonstrated achievement worthy of acceptance at an accredited institution and has shown evidence of community volunteerism and participation in sports or club activities – Brycen Anderson.

Under the Hills Farms Graduate Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded through a tiered selection process designed to prioritize specific career paths. Primary consideration is given to a student entering the field of agriculture. If no agricultural candidates are eligible, the award shifts to support a student entering a skilled trade. In the event that neither of these criteria is met, the scholarship will be granted to a student pursuing a local opportunity within the community – Sawyer MacKay.

The Chown Entrance Scholarship. Presented to the best all-around graduating student with a high academic standing that is entering the University of Manitoba. Must have an academic average of 85% to quality – Inaki Aburto.

The Governor General Bronze Medal. Presented to the student who graduates with the highest academic standing (includes Grade 11 and 12 academic based courses only), a mark of excellence – Inaki Aburto.

PHOTO CAPTION: BALDUR SCHOOL’S CLASS OF 2026: (l. to r.) Brycen Anderson, Max Janz, Sawyer MacKay and Inaki Aburto. PHOTO BY LEANNA JANZ