Feature Article October 14, 2004
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeContact Us
Sharbot Lake High Commencement by Sarah Magie
Sharbot Lake High School kicked off the Thanksgiving weekend on Friday, October 8 with the 2004 Commencement ceremonies. Even though the ceremony didn't start until 8:00 PM, by 7:30 PM the high school auditorium was packed with the family, friends and proud supporters of the 52 graduates.
It was a wonderful evening of celebration, punctuated with speeches, awards and fellowship (not to mention the wonderful music 
provided
by the SLHS band). Our master of ceremonies, Mr. Brian Cox, began the
evening with a heartfelt welcome to all assembled. His cheer and
enthusiasm never wore off all night. Mr. Tom Taylor, principal of SLHS,
then took the podium and spoke to the audience about the true meaning
of commencement. The word is actually French for "beginning" and comes
before the word "commemorate" and after the word "commend" in the
dictionary - an appropriate observation for the occasion.
Ms. Laurie French of the Limestone District School Board, Mrs. Ann Goodfellow, Trustee of the Board, Mrs. Leona Dombrowsky, M. P. P., and Mr. Wess Garrod all brought greetings from their various positions and gave speeches of congratulations to the graduates. All four of these respected people were very sincere and generous with their praise of the teachers and parents for all of their hard work and support that helped 52 young people become who they are today. They also spoke highly of the graduates, for their school and community involvement, as well as for their hard work and dedication in the classroom.
Next
came the awards. The presentation of the Ontario Secondary School
Diplomas, Ontario Scholars, Sharbot Lake High School Certificates,
Proficiency Trophies, Limeston
e
District School Board Awards and the Sharbot Lake High School Awards
were quite possibly the highlight of the evening. This is where the
students got to be individually recognized for all of their efforts and
achievements both in the classroom and out. There were 53 awards in
total, some with multiple recipients. All awards, however, went to very
deserving students to commend their various contributions to the school
and wider community. Congratulations to all award winners!
This year's valedictorian was Sheena Price. Sheena delivered a powerful message to the audience, first thanking the teachers, the parents, Mr. Ward, Mr. Taylor, Diane Lake, Tammy Parks and the custodial staff for their efforts to help make SLHS a better place to be. With lines like "Sharbot Lake [High School] is like a second home," and "what we will take from this school cannot be found in any curriculum," it was pretty obvious how much the high school has meant, not just to Sheena, but to all the graduates as well. Sheena closed
her address with a few inspiring words: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
The vice-principal of SLHS, Mr. Steve Ward, got to deliver a few closing remarks, expressing his congratulations to the graduates and surprising us all with a special presentation. Mrs. Sharon MacDonald, senior secretary at the high school, was presented with a special award for her excellence in support staff. Congratulations Mrs. MacDonald!
The Sharbot Lake High School Band closed off the program with the national anthem and the recessional. We are so lucky to have such talented young musicians at our high school. Keep up the good work!
After the ceremony was over, graduates, parents and guests were all invited to the school gymnasium for refreshments. Here, the graduates got their yearbooks signed, exchanged hugs and phone numbers. The entire evening was one of celebration and fellowship, truly marking a new beginning.
