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St. Andrew’s bids farwell to
another group of graduates
Mac Olsen
South Peace News
Twenty-six graduates of St. Andrew’s School are now making their way in the world after receiving their diplomas, wishes of good luck and a reminder to acknowledge those who have made it possible for them to take this next big step in their lives.
Principal Marc Lamoureux presented the Class of 2007 with their diplomas during a ceremony in St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church on Aug. 25. Father Abraham led a worship service, including communion, prior to the ceremony.
Those receiving their diplomas are Carmen Anderson, Debbie Anderson, Leanne Anderson, Courtney Belcourt, Gail Caudron, Mark Caudron, Adam Crossman, Heather Cunningham, Luke Dearman, Cassie Flett, Melissa Gauchier, Jamie Haggerty, Jordan Halcrow, Sarita L’Hirondelle, Darrel Laboucan, Morgan Lamouche, Monique Maure, Arlin Nielsen, Cordell Pattyson, Beth Peterson, Ethan Peterson, Nathan Roy, Ellise Sekulich, Adam Thompson, Joel Tobias and Genevieve Wagner.
Dan Gillmor emceed the event, explaining that the theme this year is “We are the Future.” Gillmor announced the names of each graduate and their escort. There followed the invited speakers.
Principal Lamoureux was the first to speak, commenting that they have worked hard towards this goal for a long time, and they should be proud for graduating. He also says that they have made friendships at school, and although they’re now leaving school, those friendships will remain.
“Always remember that you’re St. Andrew’s Saints. That means that you won’t stand alone in this world. Any time you’re lost, confused or want to celebrate a victory, you can call upon your St. Andrew’s family,” says Principal Lamoureux.
“I offer you congratulations on behalf of the school. We wish you God speed, and once a Saint, always a Saint.”
Superintendent Rick Berry spoke next. A loud clap of thunder interrupted him, making attendees laugh and applaud, and the superintendent smiled and carried on.
Berry reflected on the adventures that the students had during their 13 years of school – meeting new friends, learning to read and write, connecting ideas, expressing themselves, working closely with others and participating in extracurricular activities.
“As you look back, you’ll also remember the people who have inspired you and made you a better person. Take a moment, today, to remember both the event and the people who have made this journey so special for you,” says Superintendent Berry.
He also encourages the graduates to take the tools they have, and their faith, and make the world a better place.
Mayor Rick Dumont also spoke, commenting that the graduates have a great future ahead of them. He also comments that this is an amazing time of opportunity for High Prairie, the province and the country.
“Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. No matter what the future is, you have to make that difference,” Mayor Dumont says.
Gerald Cunningham and Susan Cardinal presented Métis sashes to Carmen Anderson, Debbie Anderson, Leanne Anderson, Heather Cunningham, Cassie Flett, Jamie Haggerty, Melissa Gauchier, Sarita L’Hirondelle and Monique Maure.
Cunningham says it’s considered a great honour to receive a Métis sash. Cardinal says schooling was easy for some of them, hard for others, but they made it through their education and to this ceremony.
“Be proud of where you came from. Dream big, and fulfill only your dreams, not someone else’s,” says Cardinal.
Then Elsie Sekulich sang Black Bird by The Beatles.
Next, Courtney Lawrence, a drama teacher at the school, offered her thoughts about each graduate, which drew laughter and applause. The graduates invited her to speak.
“They will remain one of my most favourite classes of all time,” she says.
Next was “We are the Future,” a video featuring the graduates in formal and informal settings at school. Then Carmen Anderson presented her valedictorian (see separate article in the supplement).
The rose ceremony was held next, as the graduates presented red roses to those whom they feel made a difference in their lives. The song, You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins, played as they presented their roses. The grads then exited to put on their blue regalia for the final part of the ceremony.
Upon returning to the hall, Principal Lamoureux presented diplomas to the graduates. There followed the traditional tossing of the caps and yells of hurrah from the now-out-of-school youths, and they filed out of the hall to convalesce with parents, teachers and friends.
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