Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Aug 31/01) - Four students were honoured last week for becoming the first to attain their high school diplomas from Deh Gah school.

Wearing their mortarboards and gowns, Neil Bonnetrouge, Georgette Bouvier, Louie McKenzie and Curtis Sapp marched into the school gym to cheers and thunderous applause on Friday evening.

Following the presentation of plaques and other gifts from several organizations, the grads were given an opportunity to address the audience. Each thanked their family and teachers for the encouragement and support. Curtis Sapp summed up, "Thank God we're done."

Sapp is planning to attend the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where he wants to study computer and mechanical engineering next semester.

Bouvier is contemplating a career in heavy duty mechanics through a training program at Aurora College in Fort Smith.

McKenzie is continuing his mechanic apprenticeship at Snowstar Mechanical in Fort Providence.

Bonnetrouge said he is still undecided about his future endeavours.

Principal Jane Arychuk noted that she taught three of the graduates in kindergarten.

"We've looked forward to this for a long time," she said. "This is a dream come true for me."

She also explained that the district education authority (DEA) decided six years ago that graduation ceremonies would not be held until students had met all requirements and passed their departmental exams.

"That's why our first grad ceremony is being held in August ... they are true graduates," said Arychuk.

Guest speaker Richard Lafferty, executive assistant to Deh Cho First Nations grand chief Michael Nadli, said Deh Gah has come a long way, despite impressions that it's a "little school." Lafferty attended Deh Gah until Grade 8 when he moved to Fort Smith. He and Nadli, who is also a Deh Gah alumnus, both went on to pursue higher learning at prestigious Lester B. Pearson College.

"The elders tell us we're put here to take care of mother earth. You can only do that through education," Lafferty said.

Kari Hergott, who received her diploma from Brentwood College in Victoria, B.C. earlier this year, was also recognized for her achievement. She is planning to study business management at the University of Calgary this fall.

Two other out-of-town graduates, Carl Squirrel and Scotty McLeod, were unable to attend the ceremony. Squirrel was working on site at Diavik diamond mine, while McLeod had departed for Edmonton to attend post-secondary school.