Our Lady of the Way holds grad ceremony

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

June 23rd, parents, families, and friends gathered at Our Lady of the Way Catholic School in Stratton to honour ten Grade 8 graduates. Diploma recipients Bryer Brumwell, Harvey Cochrane, Luc Desserre, Kaitlin Jourdain, Marian Paypom, Samantha Seguin, Mark Stamler, Ericka Tymkin, Brock Vandenbrand and Nathan Zimmerman hail from communities across the west end of the Rainy River District.
Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Paul Tougas and Ericka Tymkin led the singing of O Canada.
As well as delivering the Valedictory address, Luc Desserre of Pinewood received awards for Proficiency in French, Top Male Athlete, Faithful Alter Server, T.N.C.D.S.B. Leadership Award, and Honour Roll. Bryer Brumwell received awards for Best Overall Improvement and Christian Attitude. Marian Paypom was recognized for proficiency in Ojibwe. Brock Vandenbrand was recognized for Computer Technology, The OECTA Award and also made the Honour Roll. Ericka Tymkin also received the Computer Technology Award and was recognized as the Top Female Athlete, the Science Award, and the Honour Roll. Nathan Zimmerman was recognized with the School Council Fine Arts Award, as faithful Altar Server, the Principal’s Award, for Christian Attitude, and the Honour Roll.
Tyrell Chojko-Bolec received the Grade 7 Award for Academic Interest and Attitude, while Kennedi Detweiler and Jordan Desserre both received the Grade 6 St Peter’s Award recognizing Discipleship and Example.
An exceptional PowerPoint show was presented of reflective memories highlighting each student’s life to date. The show produced totally by the students amply demonstrated the solid grasp of computer technology.
In his closing address Principal Brendan Hyatt reminded the students lightly that he ‘liked to have the last word.’ He also quoted Sir William Haley, ‘that by the time students leave school, every boy and girl should know how much they do not know and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it.’
Hyatt wished the students every success, but also urged them to be significant in their contribution to the world, illustrating how what may seem like a very modest success by one person could be very significant to the lives of many.
Hyatt’s closing advice ‘it is doing the right thing when no one is looking that becomes the measure of who we all are.’
As well as Diplomas, each student received a pin and hearty congratulations from Board Trustee, Mark Chojko-Bolec.
Our Lady of the Way Catholic School, a smaller elementary school with an enrolment of 84 students this past year has received many kudos for its innovative student programs and overall excellence in education.