Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER
Academic achievements were celebrated in Jean Marie River on June 18. A majority of the community attended an awards and graduation ceremony at Louie Norwegian School.

The graduation of three Grade 9 students as well as other student achievements were celebrated in Jean Marie River on June 18. The graduates include, from left, Kody Hardisty-Sangris, Kyla Norwegian and Alicia Grossetete. - photo courtesy of Kent Bratton

It was the first time in at least three years the school has had Grade 9 graduates. Approximately 40 people watched the ceremony for Kody Hardisty-Sangris, Kyla Norwegian and Alicia Grossetete.

Both Chief Stan Sanguez and teacher Kent Bratton spoke during the ceremony. Bratton said all students need is hard work and support from their family and community to reach graduation.

"There is a lot of support in the community towards the students," he said.

Bratton said support can be seen in the way people get involved in the school's activities and most recently in how people helped decorate the community's gymnasium for the ceremony.

Grossetete, the class's valedictorian, gave a speech about her memories at the school and Norwegian recited a poem. Hardisty-Sangris played the song Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift on his guitar.

Hardisty-Sangris, who also received the award for best attendance with a 93 per cent average, said it felt good to graduate. He also said, however, that he feels a bit uncertain about the changes that will come with attending Thomas Simpson School in Fort Simpson next year.

Hardisty-Sangris credited his mother Aggie Hardisty for helping him win the best attendance award. She made sure I got up every morning, he said. Hardisty-Sangris, 14, hopes to maintain his attendance level while in Fort Simpson.

Other individual award winners included Grossetete, who received the Math and Science Award and the Academic Achievement Award, and Zaida Sanguez, who was awarded the Citizenship Award and the Most Improved Student Award. All seven students also got a medal for completing their grade.

Sanguez, 11, said she felt happy and surprised to receive two awards. Sanguez said her favourite subject this year was math where she learned about multiplication and shapes. Another highlight of the year was going on the school trip to Banff, Alta., she said.

Sanguez said next year she is looking forward to Grade 6 and more math lessons.

Another of the year's highlights included going out on the land for cultural camps, said Bratton. The pirate themed unit at the beginning of the year was also memorable.

"I thought the students were really into it and engaged and enjoyed it," Bratton said.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.