By Ken Johnston
Editor
About 100 people attended one of Riverview School’s largest grade eight classes’ graduation ceremonies in years last Monday evening.
Following the procession to Pomp and Circumstance, the 22 class members each ventured out into the audience to give their parents a token of thanks for all they have done to get the students to this point in their lives. Flowers were presented to the parents.
Emcee and grade 8 teacher Mark Jodoin gave the opening remarks. While he was saying goodbye to the class of 2008 he encouraged them to stay in touch with Riverview. “We hope to see you come back to say hello, update us on your high school career or maybe do a coop here,” said Jodoin.
He encouraged them to make good choices along the road of life and complimented them on being a good group of students. “They care about their success and this is the first step in your success.”
Class Valedictorian Annagen Wood said the class had a wonderful year with “just grade eights.” With the class being larger than normal they did not have a split gr. 7/8 class.
She noted how fast time zipped by and how like brothers and sisters they went through their ABCs, blackouts and the dangerous dungeons of Harry Potter. She ended by saying, “Our class is really fantabulous!”
Kerri Tolen then gave the principal’s remarks encouraging them to live socially consciously. Noting how things are in the world today she said, “We need you to make a difference.”
Casey Slack presented class member Lindsay Bourre with the Ontario Principal’s Leadership Award.
Each of the grads received diplomas and then a special light humoured memento from their teacher, Mr. Jodoin.
The 2008 graduating class consisted of Jaylene Anderson, Madison Boisvert, Kaitlyn Bonhomme, Lindsay Bourre, Kathryn Clifford, Marc Creason, Karl Drackert, Tyler Fisk, Saragh Fraser, Kyle Godin, Bryson Jasper, Jake Jensson, Kailee Jodoin, Derek Lauzon, Caiden Nordin, Shane Rencher, Damon Short, Kasey Tesarsky, Kelsey Tesarsky, Lindsey Westover, Jackie Wittich and Annagen Wood.
