2014 grads celebrate at GREC's first graduation ceremonies

Jul 03, 2014

On June 26 the 59 students of the first graduating class of Granite Ridge Education Centre sat gowned and capped and looking ahead to their futures at the new school's first official commencement ceremony. The celebrations in the school's spacious new gym/cafeteria were well attended, with hundreds of friends and families taking pictures of their loved ones, many of whom will either be heading to post-secondary institutions, returning to the school to complete a final fifth year, or looking to enter the work force. The ceremony was emceed by Elizabeth Steele-Drew and included addresses by Principal Heather Highet, Vice-principal James McDonald, and Brenda Hunter of the Limestone District School Board, with musical interludes performed by the GREC school band.

Numerous awards and bursaries were handed out to the graduating students. Long-time music teacher Claudio Valentini, who retires this year, received the Earl Memorial Trophy in recognition of his outstanding achievement and contributions to the school over his career there.

One emotional highlight of the evening was the address by GREC's first official valedictorian for 2013/2014, grade 12 student Hillary Howes, who was chosen by her peers as the student who “best represents the graduating class.” Hillary, who has been accepted into Fleming College's paramedics program in Peterborough, was introduced by Ms. Steele-Drew as a student who is “determined and reaches her goals”, and “an incredible athlete and team player, an enthusiastic leader and a confident lady with an extremely bright future ahead of her.” Hillary received a standing ovation and in her speech she started by congratulating her fellow graduates. She then recalled many of her favorite memories from her four years as a student at the school, the many teachers who guided her over the years, and this year’s grad trip to New York City. She ended her speech stating “I know that all of you in 20 years will look back at your years in high school and remember what we experienced here and how that helped to shape us.” Following the ceremony the grads posed for a picture and then joined friends and family for a festive reception.

On the previous evening, June 25, the grade eight graduates from the school held their own special graduation ceremony, when each student crossed the stage to receive recognition from their teacher Miss Julia Schall. Numerous students received special awards for their accomplishments. Grade eight student Sam Kempe was chosen as the grade eight valedictorian, and following her address, the students, their friends and families also enjoyed a special celebratory reception at the school.

Congratulations to all of this year’s graduating students at GREC.