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Lac La Biche school has first-ever Grade 12 grad class

Among more than 100 local students pictured in their grad caps and gowns in the Lac La Biche pages of the Lakeland This Week newspaper last week, there were four representing one school’s first graduating class ever.

LAC LA BICHE - Among more than 100 local students pictured in their grad caps and gowns in the Lac La Biche pages of the Lakeland This Week newspaper last week, there were four representing one school’s first graduating class ever.  

On June 10, the first group of Grade 12 students graduated from the Light of Christ Catholic School in Lac La Biche. The school first opened its doors in Lac La Biche in 2016 as a K-7 school, inviting students in any of those grades to enroll. School officials only introduced the high school curriculum in recent years. 

The schools first graduates are Bryanna Boucher, Danielle Loonskin, Rylee McDonald and Jacob Middleton.  

Their graduation is a huge milestone, says Principal Carmen Semeniuk.  

“It means so much to us to see our students succeed and to get to their graduation. To see what it means for our school to grow and have a first graduating class was just heartwarming,” she said, calling it a privilege to be part of the students’ growth. “It leaves a big lump in my throat. It is emotional to see that we’ve been together this long, and this is what we have been working towards as a school for all these years.” 

A part of the journey for the class of 2022 is the support from staff who put in countless hours to guide them over the years, said graduate and top student Bryanna Boucher. 

“We wouldn’t have been where we are today without them. I’m really thankful for all their help and teaching us all the required courses…a lot of us have done upgrading and with all the courses being taught in the Grade 12 year, I was really thankful for them,” she said. 

Boucher was also the school’s recipient of a federal award recognizing academic excellence from the local Member of Parliament’s office. She was nominated by Semeniuk who said the student was recognized for her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Semeniuk said Boucher's outlook is just one part of an overall student base and school spirit that is second-to-none. 

“It speaks volumes to the character of the students that we have in acknowledging one another and our staff. It also speaks volumes of everything that the staff puts into their students year after year,” said Semeniuk. 

New beginnings  

With one chapter closing for Boucher, another is opening next fall. She plans to attend the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to follow her passion for broadcast news. 

“I’m very excited  but also very nervous. I’m so excited to start a career in TV…It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was in Grade 4. I’ve been working towards that goal,” she told Lakeland This Week. 

Stepping out into the world on her own for the very first time, she says while it’s nerve-racking it’s a window into discovering what her future holds—especially going from a small town to a large city. 

“Going from Lac La Biche to Calgary is a huge step, I’m pretty nervous but pretty excited, the18-year-old said. 

Setting up students for success 

Staff at the school are also experiencing their first student graduation as well, which comes with different emotions, said Semeniuk, explaining that while educators may be sad to see students they have watched grow up venture off into the world, they know the grads have a sense of direction thanks to the school environment they come form. 

“It reinforces that we are here for the students and when they have a vision and spark for where they want to end up, we can help support them along their way,” she said. “Each and every student is on their own path and our job is to help guide them along that way — not build a path for them, not change their path but help guide them.” 

The principal is looking forward to future graduations and watching the goals the grads will accomplish. 

“Now we get to see the amazing things that they get to move on and do with their lives and how they’re going to impact the world,” she said. 

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