BARRY’S BAY – It was a time of transition for the graduates at Madawaska Valley District High School on June 28.
That evening, the class of 2012 attended the 45th graduation ceremonies at the local high school.
Bob Tatarski has been the acting vice- principal for the school year and was the master of ceremonies on Thursday night. He congratulated the students on their achievements and welcomed the various speakers of the night.
David Kaiser brought greetings from the board of trustees. He noted that current MVDHS principal Lauren Wilson is retiring this year.
“I really want to thank her for her contribution, not only for what she has done here at MV for the past two years, but also for her contribution to the Renfrew County District School Board for many, many years,” Kaiser said. “We wish you well in your retirement.”
Turning to the graduates, Kaiser told the students to remain optimistic wherever life takes them.
“Optimism attracts opportunity like a magnet,” Kaiser said. “Take as much optimism as you can with you because the opportunity will follow along with it.”
Mayor David Shulist spoke on behalf of the Madawaska Valley Township.
“Take advantage of every opportunity, every door that opens for you,” Shulist said. “Please don’t be afraid to say where you come from. You come from the Madawaska Valley, so stand tall.”
Shulist said the Valley will always be home for the students.
“MVDHS rocks,” he concluded.
Principal Wilson, with her hair dyed bright pink, approached the podium to give her final principal address at MVDHS.
“Oh the places you’ll go,” she said, holding back some tears.
She told the students to be proud of their accomplishments.
“You are in the middle of a major transition in your lives, for many of you likely the biggest one yet. There will be many more transitions in your life, most of them even bigger than this one,” Wilson explained.
Wilson said the way the graduates will treat others and the successes they have in work and in life is like a “report card” for MVDHS.
Story continues in the July 4 issue of The Valley Gazette.