Last Friday evening, principal Don McBride welcomed everyone to the graduation of grade eight students from Sturgeon Creek School.
After the singing of “O Canada,” emcee Shannon Gibson introduced the slide presentation reflecting back on the students—right from kindergarten through to graduation—produced by staff member Darcy Jack.
It also included their achievements in class projects and sports.
Pianist Wayne Barron played the processional march as the graduating students took their places on the stage. Each student then spoke about their favourite memories at Sturgeon Creek.
Valedictorian Raylene Smith reflected on the close relationships each student had for the other, pulling together when most required.
“It has been a great eight years of learning,” she remarked, adding it was a great honour to represent the graduating class of 2003.
“We, as students of grade eight, have been like a close-knit family and have grown with fond relationships,” Smith continued. “There are embedded as heart-warming memories, which will forever be remembered.
“As each of us go our separate ways in our future learning, some of us will remain friends, some will go their own way, but the important thing is we will always remain in each other’s memories forever,” she concluded.
Jack and McBride then presented diplomas to Christopher Borger, Chelsea Bragg, Sarah Caul, Cory Forbes, Matthew Gallinger, Peter Gerber, Shannon Gibson, Emily Haggberg, Jared Kroeker, Teila Michl, Raylene Smith, and Daniel Whiting.
Award presentations were made as follows:
•Ross Irvine Memorial for Cross-Country—Matthew Gallinger;
•Top Male Athlete—Cory Forbes;
•Top Female Athlete—Emily Haggberg;
•Highest Academic Standing—Shannon Gibson;
•Principal’s Award—Peter Gerber and Shannon Gibson (tie).
This latter award is based on the year’s work within the classroom, volunteerism, and citizenship.
“It has been a struggle but with a positive attitude towards life, you will eventually be successful,” McBride said in his final remarks.
Darcy and Elizabeth Jack were surprised with a gift from the school’s volleyball team—sweat shirts with the photo of the squad embedded in the material.
The photo was blown up by the Fort Frances Times and work completed by Betty’s.
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