BARRY’S BAY – It was a night to reminisce, reflect and look to the future. On the evening of June 28, 84 students officially graduated from Madawaska Valley District High School (MVDHS). After the grads filed into the packed auditorium, Jonathan Stoppa read the beatitudes in memory of Ann Marie Bloskie. School board trustee David Kaiser led the room in a round of applause for the graduates. “I am confident you received a solid foundation here at MV,” he said to the graduates. “There are many opportunities that await you in the future. I hope you can use that foundation wisely.” He acknowledged Paul Thompson’s retirement. Thompson has been with MVDHS for 30 years, and has always brought concerns to the board. Most recently, Thompson voiced his thoughts on reducing courses and the impact on students. “To me, that’s a sense of dedication,” Kaiser said. “He is retiring, yet he is still concerned about what is going to happen to students coming down the road.” Kaiser acknowledged some recent student successes, both at the school board as well as athletic achievements. He pointed out Grade 12 graduate Laura Yantha and fifth-year graduate Jonathan Stoppa, who have excelled at track and field. He spoke about the board’s newly approved motto – Inspire. Empower. Achieve., and hoped that graduates did all that and more at MVDHS. “There are many exciting opportunities awaiting all of you,” he said. “Take full advantage of those opportunities when and where you can.” To read the full story, pick up a copy of the July 4, 2018 paper.