Roseau Valley School celebrates graduation

Twenty-six graduates accepted their diplomas as part of the class of 2024 at Roseau Valley School in Dominion City on June 22.

The ceremony included an honour song from the Roseau River Singers and the gifting of star blankets to each graduate.

Valedictorians Natalie Chubaty and Morgan Hildebrand shared their memories, thanked those who played a role in their education and expressed their hopes for the future.

“We are thankful for your selfless dedication, your patience and time spent away from your families,” Chubaty said to school staff.

Hildebrand said many of the phrases used at high school graduations have been rendered nearly meaningless thanks to repetition.

Instead, he and Chubaty said everything one needed to know they learned on the first day of school.

That list included listening when someone’s talking, following directions quickly, taking turns, letting others have a say, trying your best, being honest and respecting oneself and others.

Guest speakers Meaghan O’Hare and Alex Mirza congratulated the graduates on persevering and urged them to embrace their future.

“Each one of you has faced numerous challenges, both academic and personal and today you celebrate your resiliency and determination,” O’Hare said. “Since today is a day of celebration, here’s the good news. You’re on your own now. The bad news is you’re on your own now.”

Mirza told the kids that every choice they make will have an affect on their lives.

“You never know whether the driver you flipped off earlier that day turns out to be sitting across from you in a job interview,” he said.

In addition to a long list of awards, Roseau Valley School presents the Garnet Kyle Scholarship. This scholarship goes to a student from the RM of Emerson-Franklin with a 90 percent or higher, earning them up to $10,000 annually for four years. This year Natalie Chubaty was the recipient.

Meanwhile Brianne Judson won the Governor General’s Award, presented to the student with the highest academic standing for all Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses.