A virtual ceremony was held last Thursday to honour the 17 Grade 8 graduates from Our Lady of Lourdes French Immersion Catholic School in what was the first remote graduation ceremony in the school’s long history in Elliot Lake.
The virtual ceremony, delivered through Zoom (live from the school library, hosted by principal Stephane Prevost, vice-principal Nadia Zanatta, and Jennifer Smith) had over 200 online viewers.
“The ceremony celebrated the 17 graduates, with addresses from our board chair, Lindsay Liske, and Director of Education, Rose Burton-Spohn as well as the announcement of certificates and awards,” Zanatta said.
Graduates were acknowledged, awards were distributed, and students were presented with a gift from Our Lady of Lourdes' Catholic Parent Council. Teacher, Vince Ucci, created a video for the students and educational assistant, Andrea Frattini created a slideshow of pictures and parent/family messages to the graduates. Educational assistants Erika Weller and Shanna Forest also helped with the slideshow.
“Following the ceremony, students received their certificates, awards, and gifts! They were given a gift certificate to use at Sarah's Food Truck at their leisure,” Zanatta added. "We were so happy to offer as much as we could for our graduates! We are so proud of their resilience during these times."
Grade 8 graduates include Ayrton Longe, Leiya Fortin, Catherine Doyle, Sidney Zurfluh, Sienna Harrington, Nolan Trudeau, Tyler Stefanich, Abbie McGonegal, Hailie Smith, Christa Hould, Adam Halman, Cooper Melis, Ireland Lackey, Jamieson Sorrell, Koal Sopher, Landon Blair and Kaeden Guimond.
Awards:
- Class of 2020 Valedictorian - Abbie McGonegal
- Amelioration Academique - Abbie McGonegal
- Fine Arts Award - Sidney Zurfluh
- Science Award - Abbie McGonegal
- Geography Award - Abbie McGonegal
- Mathematics Award - Adam Halman
- English Award - Adam Halman
- History Award - Adam Halman and Christa Hould
- Top Graduating Student - Abbie McGonegal (sponsored by the Knights of Columbus)
- OECTA Leadership Award - Sienna Harrington (sponsored by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association - Local Unit)
- Principal’s Award For Leadership - Cooper Melis
- Most Improved Student - Koal Sopher
- Christian Living Award - Christa Hould (sponsored by the Catholic Women's League at Ste. Bernadette Parish)
- Citizenship Award - Ayrton Longe (sponsored by the Elliot Lake Lion's Club)
- Never Give Up Award - Emily Windle and Jamieson Sorrell
- Male Athlete of the Year (Connor Pelletier-Commanda Memorial Award) - Adam Halman (sponsored by Connor's family)
- Female Athlete of the Year (Connor Pelletier-Commanda Memorial Award) - Leiya Fortin (sponsored by Connor's family)
- Charlie Hunter Memorial Award - Sienna Harrington and Nolan Trudeau (sponsored by the Ontario Residential School Association)