Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
There was nary a seat to be found upstairs at the Strathcona Paper Centre as NDSS bestowed Ontario Secondary School Diplomas on 160 graduating students.
Parents, family members and friends watched intently as their loved ones — most of whom were born in 2000 — heard their name called, walked across the stage, and joined their peers in tossing their mortarboards before moving on with their lives.
Limestone District School Board trustee Laurie French congratulated the Class of 2018, adding they are part of a great history within the community.
“I hope you take a moment tonight to reflect on all those wonderful teachers, coaches, school staff and the many friends who have supported you — or perhaps, just the strength you pulled from within yourself when times were tough,” she said.
“You worked hard to reach this milestone tonight. An achievement of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma is no small feat so this celebration for you is much deserved.”
French encouraged grads to continue to be involved in their communities.
Among Ontario Scholars and major award winners at NDSS graduation last Thursday were, from left: Summer Kimmett, Claire Kimmett, William Hoyle, Kael Fredenburgh, Emma Cronkwright, Meghan Adrain and Caitlyn Baker. Photo by Adam Bramburger.
Major award winners recognized at Thursday’s graduation for scholarship and contributions to student life include, from left: Meaghan Wright, Hayley Lambert, Brock Vale, Logan Williams, Wesley Wales, Hannah Sly, and Dahri Koopman. Photo by Adam Bramburger.
Interspersed with upbeat performances from the school’s jazz band, NDSS teachers, students, and community members reflected their collective pride in this year’s class by presenting 55 different awards, scholarships, and bursaries to deserving students. Among this year’s awards was a first-time presentation of the Garrett Mills Memorial Scholarship, in memory of an NDSS student who tragically passed away last year. His parents, Dave and Gwen, presented it to Emma Cronkwright and Brock Vale to recognize their “exceptional kindness, generosity, selflessness, and positive attitudes” which were reflective of Garrett Mill’s own personality.
Another highlight was the presentation of the Lennox and Addington Community Foundation’s Charlotte Uens Awards to 16 students pursuing college, apprenticeship, or university. French said it was as the largest individual granting in the province.
One student was particularly well decorated with special awards. Hayley Lambert graduated with an average above 95 per cent to capture the Senior Proficiency Award, the C.D. Fox Award, Napanee Memorial Scholarship, Charles S. Froud Award, and Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal for her academic proficiency.
An avid athlete and students’ council member, Lambert also excelled beyond the classroom, earning the students’ council leading girl award, alongside leading boy Kael Fredenburgh. It wasn’t surprising that Lambert’s peers selected her as valedictorian.
In her address, Lambert said the thought of graduating high school likely hadn’t quite set in, but it wouldn’t be long to come to terms with that reality.
In a speech filled with references to pop culture and school events over the past four years, Lambert encouraged her peers to remember all the first experiences in their lives during high school and the people they shared them with.
“High school is not simply Monday to Friday from 8:15 to 2:30. It was each and every single moment in between,” she said before listing off sample experiences like meeting a life long friend, trying out for that first sports team or band, getting a job, taking exams, or learning to drive.
“High school was where passions were discovered and dreams were forged. We’ve not only made the fragile transition from adolescence to young adults together, but we’ve learned more about life and ourselves than we ever could have imagined.”
Then, Lambert encouraged her classmates to think about how their stories will change over the next four years as they step out of the bubble of Napanee on their own journeys.
“As author Norman Juster once said ‘The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what’s in between,’ and I think we have seen a whole lot thus far, my friends,” she said. “Even though there will always be a next step, a next chapter, and a next hurdle in life, never underestimate the power of appreciating the present.”
Regardless of the path her peers take, Lambert advised they could “always find comfort in the fact we shared our first big journey here at NDSS” and added “I, on behalf of every sobbing parent or guardian in the stands, could not be more proud.”
Acknowledging she had a tough act to follow, principal Erin Pincivero closed the night with thank-yous for all the people who contributed to the ceremony and to the graduates’ successes. She also had a few words for the babies of 2000, whom she said administrators found to be “so full of energy, smart, funny, and very chatty” upon arrival four years ago.
Her advice was practical and, in some cases, expected by the graduates.
“Hard work will never go unnoticed. Show up on time, preferably early. Be kind, be kind, be kind. Be true to yourself and remember everything happens for a reason and trust in that,” Pincivero said. “I know you are expecting this old gem, but make good choices. Yes, I know you’ve heard it from me every Friday for the past four years, but it’s really the best advice I can give. Life is full of choices. You get to choose who you spend your time with, who you give your heart to, and what adventures you’ll go on. Choose wisely, my Hawks.”
Following the principal’s address, the graduates tossed their mortarboards high into the air in unison. Then, they streamed into a crowd of supporters greeting them on the arena floor as a series of hugs, kind conversations, congratulations and gratitude forged final lasting memories to take on their journeys in life.