Class of 2000 bids farewell to high school days

It was a time to reminisce last Thursday night as the Class of 2000 graduated from Fort Frances High School.
“It was only four short years ago, or five long years for some of us, that we entered high school,” said OAC graduate Tyler Bell as he began his valedictory address in the new arena at the Memorial Sports Centre.
“Now we all begin our journey off to university in the fall,” he added.
Bell recalled the excitement and butterflies he felt when he first entered grade nine.
“I was thinking about grade nine and I remembered the first day of school. I went to my class, then when class was done, I couldn’t find my locker.
“So I discovered this little trick . . . if I went outside and walked back in through the same doors I walked through in the morning, then I could find my locker.
“So I spent half of the year going back outside and walking through the same doors I had walked through in the morning to find my locker,” he joked.
“High school wasn’t about getting lost, it was about friends, family, and, oh yeah, the Friday quizzes and Monday tests that we have been fond of for so long . . . we will miss them.
“Teachers at Fort Frances, you did a good job with the students. Congratulations,” Bell said.
Meanwhile, Jessica Lovisa, president of Student Executive Council, reminded her fellow graduates that they should feel as though they accomplished something.
“It has been a great year for the students of Fort Frances. I thank everyone for all the support,” she said. “We [the graduates] should all be proud of ourselves and our friends. This is exciting–and scary.”
FFHS principal Terry Ellwood said the 1999-2000 school year would be one he’d never forget because of the transition from the old school to the new school–and because it was his final year as principal.
“We came to [the new school] together and now we are leaving together,” he said.
“We are the first graduating class of the millennium, and of the new school,” Bell said. “We will always be remembered at this school . . . we started the memories.”
“I wish the graduating Class of 2000 good luck, wherever you end up,” Bell said as he concluded his address and a sea of purple caps were tossed into the air.