Students celebrate graduation

The graduating students of Fort Frances High School had their moment in the spotlight Thursday evening as they donned their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas. The 150 grads walked across the stage at the Memorial Sports Centre in front of their family, friends, and teachers as they ended one stage of their lives and began another. “It’s a moment of excitement, joy, relief—relief that you finally made it,” said United Church minister Peggy Mason, who gave the invocation. “I encourage you to keep dreaming because dreams keep hope alive,” she added. Fort High principal Gord McCabe reminded the students that their high school diploma was something they worked hard for—and should be proud of. “It wasn’t a prize in a cereal box . . . you didn’t bid for it on eBay,” he noted. “You’ve earned it.” As part of an annual tradition, McCabe asked the students to give a round of applause to their parents and family, and another for their teachers. “You had help—and lots of it,” he stressed. Ashley LaFreniere and Hailey Heyens, co-presidents of the 2006/07 Student Executive Council, gave a brief address before the diplomas were handed out. Graduate Michael Jensen performed an original song, “Crossroads,” for the crowd as an intermission while fellow graduate Brittany Hayes sang “To Sir With Love” to conclude the diploma ceremony. Valedictorian Ross Kircher then took the stage to give his address. “To my fellow graduates, congratulations! It has been an incredible four years. We have all grown so much,” he remarked. “Congratulations not only for our academic success, but also for our achievements in the arts, athletics, and other areas in and out of school. I look out among our class and I can’t help but feel proud. “We have matured and grown, and are now ready to enter the next stage of our lives,” he added. “Again we will be freshman in this next stage of life; we’ll be excited and probably a little scared. “But just remember how much we have learned—everything from writing an essay to how to handle a dodge ball—and it will all be put into perspective,” Kircher noted. The Fort Frances High School Band, directed by John Dutton, ended the evening with a performance of “Trumpet Voluntary” by Henry Purcell. The graduation ceremonies were followed by the annual “chem-free” party at the sports centre.