.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - The achievements of six students were celebrated last week in Fort Liard.

Michelle Browning, Angeline Duntra, Sasha Duntra, Laura Loe, Tyson McLeod and Stevie Nande were all honoured during Echo Dene School's graduation ceremony on June 11. Making it through Grade 12, especially in the last semester, is a big ordeal but these students faced the challenge and succeeded, said principal Victor Dikaitis, in his address to the graduates and their gathered family and friends.

Principal Victor Dikaitis, left, presents Michelle Browning with a high school leaving certificate. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"We are all very proud of you. Congratulations," Dikaitis said.

Although the students' achievements were in the forefront during the ceremony the common theme amongst the speakers was that graduation is just one step in their life journey. The graduates now have to decide what their next step will be.

"The opportunities are endless. I know you've been told this more than once," said Martina Norwegian, chairperson of the Dehcho Divisional Education Council.

Norwegian went on to say that it's OK if it takes the students a few attempts before they decided what they'd like to do in life.

"My wish for all of you is to find that fire within and go for it," she said.

In her speech, Laura Loe, one of the class' two valedictorians, said she plans to work for a year before applying to college.

"It's a beginning of a new chapter," said Loe.

Graduation is both exciting and scary, she said. Loe thanked the graduates' families, friends and teachers for their support and help in getting the graduates this far.

The six graduates will continue to face challenges but we know how to face them and how to ask for help, said Tyson McLeod, the co-valedictorian.

"Part of our challenge is to discover the areas that will fit with our talents," McLeod said.

McLeod thanked his mom especially for encouraging him to reach graduation. McLeod was one of three students who were honoured with awards during the ceremony.

McLeod and Stevie Nande both received a Northern Recognition Award from the Northern Store. The award, which comes with a gift card, is given to students who demonstrate leadership, dedication to their community, community participation and an enterprising spirit.

Michelle Browning received the Aurora College Award for Excellence, Leadership and Innovation. Browning was chosen because she's stuck to her goal of attending Aurora College next year, said teacher Ken Nowoselski.

Browning knows what she wants to do and is moving forward, Nowoselski said.