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ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD
One graduate wearing a cap and gown stood alone at Echo Dene School's graduation ceremony on June 13.

Echo Dene School principal William Gowans, left, and Dehcho Divisional Education Council superintendent Terry Jaffray, right, present Karlene Isaiah with a scroll during the graduation ceremony in Fort Liard on June 13. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Karlene Isaiah was the sole Grade 12 graduate at the Fort Liard school this year. Despite the small size of the graduating class, all of the regular pomp and ceremony was used during the celebration held at the community hall.

Isaiah was escorted into the decorated hall by her father Guy Berreault. A number of guests from both Fort Liard and the wider Deh Cho made speeches congratulating and offering advice to Isaiah. The presentation of the scroll ceremony was followed by a lavish meal.

"This is a community celebration for someone who has met a milestone," said Echo Dene School principal William Gowans.

Isaiah, 19, was the only Grade 12 student who met all of the graduate requirements. In many cases, there are hurdles students have to overcome to graduate, but Isaiah said graduation was important and steered the course, Gowans said. The graduation ceremony honoured her commitment, he said.

Next year, the school could have as many as five graduates. Whether there is one graduate or 10, their achievements will still be celebrated, Gowans said.

Balancing a piece of her graduation cake on a plate at the end of the evening, Isaiah said she felt relieved because she's finished high school.

"It's been difficult," she said about achieving all the necessary requirements to graduate.

Isaiah said she faced many challenges including completing her English exam last semester. Although English is one of her favourite subjects, it's also a difficult one, she said.

During her valedictorian speech, Isaiah said she really became focused on school and her future after attending Northern Youth Abroad. Isaiah said she met wonderful and well-educated people who helped shape her values.

Isaiah thanked her parents, Berreault and Bernice Isaiah, who told her to focus on school and pursue her dreams.

She also thanked her teacher Deborah Wotherspoon who offered advice based on her own experiences.

In her speech, Isaiah said she hopes there will be more graduates next year so children in Fort Liard have strong, courageous leaders to look up to.

"My advice is to stay in school even if it's, like, nerdy," she said.

"Dropping out of school is not cool." People who leave school won't have the same opportunities they would have if they'd graduated, she said.

Isaiah has been offered a position as a special needs assistant for the next school year at Echo Dene School. Following that, she plans to attend college.

In the future, Isaiah hopes to buy some property and set up a community garden in Fort Liard and also establish a small herbal medicine business.

"I'm very happy that I graduated at Echo Dene School," Isaiah said.

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