Students commence!
Nantyr Shores honours its own at grad ceremony
By Chris Simon

Nantyr Shores Secondary School graduates joined parents, staff and dignitaries during a commencement ceremony at the school Friday evening. About 225 graduates participated in the event. Photo by Chris Simon For more on the event, see NANTYR SHORES on Page 9.

Nick Peterson wasn't surprised to be graduating, and he has every reason to be confident.

The former Nantyr Shores Secondary School student is currently enrolled in his first year of studies at York University in Toronto. While busy with school work, he made it back to the Alcona school Friday evening, as the valedictorian speaker for his graduating class' commencement ceremony.

"For me, it was expected I'd graduate and that's it; I don't see it as a big deal," he said, during precommencement preparations in the school's gymnasium, surrounded by peers. "It wasn't a laissez-faire idea about school, I was really into it."

About 225 graduates, along with their parents, teachers, administrative staff and dignitaries packed into the Nantyr auditorium last week.

The graduates wore long black robes draped with golden sashes. Each adorned a black mortar board cap. Parents and others in attendance realized the pomp of the occasion, as many dressed in collared shirts and ties, or skirts and freshly ironed blouses.

Along with the valedictorian address, graduates were handed diplomas and certificates. Several also received scholarships and awards.

Some in attendance had goose bumps throughout the evening.

Lori Johnston, a teacher at the school, has watched many of the graduates blossom from teenagers into proud young adults. Last year, her daughter graduated from the school. While the parental bonds of this ceremony may be nonexistent for Johnston, the emotions still remain.

"It's the end of one era and the beginning of the next," she said. "Because they finished high school with a diploma, they have so many opportunities."

She says the night plays an important role in recognizing significant individual milestones.

"It's closing one door and knowing there's so many doors opening," she said. "Kids are going off to university, off to jobs. They're off to college and there are special education students in the school who are graduating. It's a really exciting time for them."

Principal Jean Hargreaves agrees.

"We're all here (teaching) and that's our purpose, to get everybody to graduate," she said. "That's what students and parents want. We're all here to celebrate sending them off with that diploma. If you look in the world picture, not a lot of people get a graduation diploma. When you look at the opportunities our students have, it's very significant."

Peterson felt honoured to be selected to speak.

"It was a hell of a job trying to write this speech," he said. "I don't think anyone knows what a valedictorian is, even I didn't when I got it. I'm set, hopefully (the audience members) are."

Along with a diploma, students should leave secondary school as better citizens, said Hargreaves.

"It's not all about marks. You might not have the best mark, you might not get other awards, but perhaps you're the best person you could be," she said. "What's more important than that?"