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Gift Lake Grad only the beginning
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Graduate Tyson Anderson, second from right, receives his Grade 9 diploma from school staff and board chair Iner Cardinal, right, vice-principal Lenore Lamouche, left, and principal Rob MacDonald, second from left.
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Retiring Gift Lake School principal Rob MacDonald, left, receives a gift from school board chair Iner Cardinal. The giant remote for a TV was a gag joke; he was later presented with a gift more appropriate.
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Graduate Kelly L’Hirondelle, right, receives a hug from vice-principal Lenore Lamouche. Lamouche, who is leaving the school after 14 years, taught most of the students in Grade 1.
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The graduating class each presented that “special someone’ with a rose as a token of thanks. Above, graduate Teri-Lynn Auger hugs her mother, Connie Auger, for her love and support.
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Graduate Gordie Laderoute, left, is escorted into the hall by Kendra Rosychuk.
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Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
Leaving Gift Lake School does not close the door on a successful education career.
It only opens them!
It was the message delivered to the Grade 9 Class of 2009 during ceremonies June 17 at the Gift Lake Community Hall.
“All the opportunities are there for you,” said principal Rob MacDonald, who also acted as master of ceremonies. “There are no reasons making sure this isn’t the last graduation you attain.”
The message was reiterated by Gift Lake School Board chair Iner Cardinal, who also performed double duty as a councillor for the settlement.
“I’m just so proud of you guys for being here,” he said. “It always makes me sad to see them go somewhere else. We’ve done what we can in supporting you for nine years.
“I want you to know when push comes to shove we’ll support you,” he added. “When you leave the settlement to go to school, don’t forget we’re here.”
Cardinal presented a gift to MacDonald, who leaves the school after 29 years.
“One of my last jobs was to tie a boy’s tie,” quipped Macdonald as the ceremony began.
The grads chosen theme song was ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flatts. Each entered the hall looking their best in suits and beautiful gowns. The ceremony was also highlighted by the presentation of roses by each graduate to a special someone who made a difference in their lives.
Vice-principal Lenore Lamouche, who is leaving the school after 14 years, taught the class in Grade 1. She reminisced about each student by providing a humourous detail.
“I watched many of these grads grow up and become men and women,” she said, admitting the night was difficult for her.
Howard Shaw delivered the valedictorian’s speech and thanked everyone from teachers to parents and/or guardians.
“Your support through the highs and lows during this school year, including today, is greatly appreciated. I know for a fact that we wouldn’t even be here without your guy’s help. For this, I both thank you for shaping us into the successful people we are today …”
The evening concluded with the presentation of diplomas by Cardinal, Lamouche and MacDonald, then dinner. Earlier, a slide show depicting each student as they were growing up, brought laughs and tears to the near capacity audience.
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Howard Shaw
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Howard Shaw
Valedictorian
Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the class of 2009’s graduation. My name is Howard Shaw.
To start things off, I would first like to thank all the guests, parents, relatives and friends who were able to make it today to our graduation. Your support through the highs and lows during this school year, including today, is greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank all of the various teachers who have taught us while we’ve schooled here in Gift Lake School. I mean, just look at all of the Grade 9 grads right now. I know for a fact that we wouldn’t even be here without your guy’s help. For this, I both thank you for shaping us into the successful people we are today, and I wish all of you a happy and successful teaching career for the years to come.
On a completely different note, I would also like to extend a special thank-you to our very own retiring principal, Mr. Rob MacDonald. You have seen us struggle throughout school since day one and you were always there to help us when we needed it most.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of the parents/guardians who helped all of us though this difficult school year. Without your help, none of this would even be possible. I think I speak for everyone when I say thanks in advance for all the different times you’ve helped us wake up for school, fundraise and – well - generally support all of us throughout our short stay at Gift Lake School.
To my fellow graduates, I say thanks and good luck. Judging from my past experiences with my fellow classmates – well – all I can say is that all of you have very bright futures ahead of you. I know the road ahead might be tough but I’m confident all of us will have enough courage and commitment to overcome these obstacles to achieve whatever dreams we have. I say this as a final thank-you to all my fellow graduates. I wish you all the best of luck in high school and in your future endeavours.
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