ST. PAUL - About 125 graduates walked across the stage on June 27 at St. Paul Regional High School (SPRHS), signifying one of the largest groups of students to graduate from school.
"Today is obviously no ordinary day," said St. Paul Education Superintendent Dr. Peter Barron. Speaking to the graduates, he encouraged them to take a few "well-deserved" hours to celebrate alongside the people who have supported them.
He also spoke to the students about gratitude and thanking those around them.
"Gratitude isn't just about being polite. It reminds us that we never succeed alone. We all stand on the shoulders of giants," said Barron.
"Choose to be kind, honest and brave . . . Write a story you'll be proud to read to your children one day," he added.
Superintendent of schools for Saddle Lake Education, Debra Cardinal, spoke to the crowd not only as a representative of the Saddle Lake community, but also as a family member whose grandson was among this year's St. Paul Regional High School graduates.
"Today, we stand here in celebration . . . we acknowledge the excitement, nervousness, apprehension, joy . . . and the list goes on and on," said Cardinal.
She noted that all graduates were deserving of the celebration that was taking place.
Offering advice and insight, Cardinal said, "Amazing things happen when we work together. Today is one example of just that." She added, "Remember the joy, pride and excitement you feel today. This is success."
Several student aspirations were offered in a variety of languages by some of the graduates, followed by a thank-you message to the parents by graduate Alexa Labrie.
A response from the parents was given by Angela Noel, who along with being a parent to a graduate was also formerly an assistant principal at SPRHS and knew many of them.
"It's an incredible honour to speak on behalf of the parents . . . what makes this moment even more special to me is that I've had the privilege of not only being a parent to one of these grads, but also as their vice-principal for nearly three years. I get a front row seat to this class' journey," said Noel.
She acknowledged how it takes a village to raise a child, and looking out at the crowd, she saw the teachers, coaches, family members, friends who helped over the years.
"I see the village."
Speaking to the graduates, she said, "You are an extraordinary group of people. I've watched you stumble and get back up. Try new things. Push boundaries . . . and grow up in ways big and small."
She added, "I've watched you become who you are, and let me tell you who you are is something very amazing."
Valedictorians Xavier Jean and Lauren McLellan also took time to speak to their fellow graduates.
"We are saying goodbye to these halls, to our classmates, and to this stage in our lives," said McLellan.
"On behalf of all the graduates, we would like to thank the teachers for all of their efforts that helped us achieve this milestone," said Jean. "You taught us English, math, science and social, but you also taught us how to think, how to try again."
McLellan also offered thanks to the parents, grandparents, guardians and other family members.
"You have pushed us and raised us to be the best we can be," said McLellan.
She told graduates to be proud of how far they have come. "We've laughed, we've stumbled and we've definitely stressed our way through high school but we've also grown."
After the presentation of graduation portfolios, graduate Cloey Germain offered a thank-you to the staff, and Tina Robinson presented a reply from the staff.
Then, Principal Mark Tichkowsky offered a few parting words, as the convocation ceremony came to a close.
"It's a true privilege to stand before you today . . . whether I've coached you on the field or supported you in the halls and in the classrooms, I've watched all of you grown into thoughtful, hardworking and capable young people. Today is more than crossing the stage . . . it's about recognizing the journey . . . it's about celebrating your growth."
He added, "No matter how far you go, you will always have roots here."
