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École du Sommet graduates celebrated with outdoor ceremony

Friends and family were able to witness the graduation of four students from École du Sommet on June 5.

ST. PAUL - A small group of graduates from École du Sommet were joined by family and staff - at a distance - during an outdoor ceremony on June 5.

While students sat in chairs positioned on the front yard of the school, family and friends lined up in their vehicles to listen and watch the high school graduation ceremony, due to public health measures that were still in place. The unique event allowed for an in-person event to take place following an unpredictable year. 

Teacher Carmen Dion emceed much of the ceremony, alongside Principal Alain Mahé. Dion expressed her immense pride in the class of 2021. 

A number of video messages from local politicians were watched prior to the ceremony on June 5. Letters and gifts were also given to the graduates, marking the completion of their secondary education.

Students were acknowledged for persevering over the past two years, and were told to keep the lessons they've learned during their time at École du Sommet, as they move forward in life. 

In a letter to graduates MLA David Hanson told students to seize each moment and opportunity, remember those who helped them succeed, and make new friends and new connections. 

Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller delivered a pre-recorded message to graduates.

"I know this is not the graduation celebration you had imagined," said Miller, but she too acknowledged graduates for choosing to "rise in the face of adversity." The year 2021 is a year that no one will forget, said Miller.

She recommended graduates take a moment to put both feet on the ground and breath. The youth of today have many strong traits, said Miller, adding, "You have been gifted with a pause button, use it."

The school's principal also spoke to graduates, conveying how the staff at the school are all very proud of the graduating students. He noted that they have already learned many things due to the pandemic, and have been faced with many challenging situations.

He is confident that they are prepared to move on, and compared their growth to that of a seed. In order to grow, the seed must first be buried.

Mahé offered a few pieces of advice, such as credit cards should only be used for emergencies and online shopping, don't be scared to ask for help, remember to stop by and visit, remember to vote, and Mr. Noodle is an acceptable meal.

He also encouraged graduates to keep a young spirit, try new things and grow as a person.

As per tradition, an award represented by a pick axe was presented to a Grade 11 student who exemplifies effort and leadership in the school. Last year's recipient and 2021 graduate Melanie Jubinville presented the award to Catianna Culham.

This year's École du Sommet graduating class includes: Sébastien Doiron, Melanie Jubinville, Chloé Morais David and Djouher Mansouri.


Janice Huser

About the Author: Janice Huser

Janice Huser has been with the St. Paul Journal since 2006. She is a graduate of the SAIT print media journalism program, is originally from St. Paul and has a passion for photography.
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