Our Lady of Lourdes Graduation
Our Lady of Lourdes 2009 Graduation
Submitted to The Echo, June 26th, 2009 | Ammended to article Manitouwadge Graduations submitted to the Chronicle Journal, June 30th, 2009.
back row, left to right; Derek Labée, Cody Oseiki, Devan Pelletier, Robyn Avis. Front Row; Wynter Fluet, Stevie Weilgosh, Kimberly Cashman, Sable Brandt. Missing form photo, Taylor Klaus.
by Karina Hunter
Tuesday, June 23rd, grade 8 students of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, marked the end of their elementary education as Father Vincent lead a mass attended also by teachers, family and parishioners. The mass which included special prayers for the graduates was also quite special as these students will be continuing their education in the public school system at Manitouwadge High School.
After the special service, everyone gathered at the school gymnasium for an awards ceremony and supper. Principal Diane Nelson and grade 8 teachers; Anik DeMars (French immersion) and Karly Nakani (English) spoke to the graduates on a very personal level, reminding them of their unique strengths and talents and assuring that these would help them succeed through secondary school and beyond.
Student Council President, Wynter Fluet proudly introduced their valedictorian, classmate Devan Pelletier. Pelletier spoke eloquently of the teachers who had instructed him during his years at OLOL, and shared memorable outtakes from some of their class trips before the following awards were distributed:
- Father Paul Conway award, presented by Father Vincent to the student who most exemplified Christian living; Cody Oseiki
- Sportsmanship award, presented by teacher Lise Foucault-Clark to the student with the best overall capacities in sports; female: Robyn Avis, male: Cody Oseiki
- French as a Second Language Award, presented by teacher Dauphine Campbell to the student who most excelled in core French; Robyn Avis
- Stouton Family Award presented to the French Immersion student with the highest grade; Devan Pelletier
- Bradley’s Badge of Courage. This award is presented in honour of Bradley Smith who died of cancer at the age of 8 after a very long and courageous battle to the student who best exemplifies loyalty, tolerance and perseverance; Derrek Labee
- Ontario Catholic Teachers Association Award of recognition for Excellence in History presented to Wynter Fluet
- Highest Standing male student awarded to Devan Pelletier; Highest Standing female student awarded to Stevie Weilgosh
- School Spirit Award was shared by Robyn Avis and Devan Pelletier
Special Merit awards were also given to recognize students who excelled in the following subjects:
- Excellence in Science presented to Taylor Klaus
- Excellence in Technology presented to Sable Brandt
- Excellence in Physical Education presented to Robyn Avis
- Excellence in Math presented to Devan Pelletier
- Excellence in Writing presented to Stevie Weilgosh
- Excellence in Visual Arts presented to Derek Labbée and Kimberly Cashman
- Excellence in Music presented to Cody Oseiki
Congratulations to all of Our Lady of Lourdes graduates as they start a new chapter in their education attending secondary school in the fall.
Student Council president Wynter Fluet welcomes fellow graduates and guests.
Father Vincent presents Cody Oseiki with the Father Paul Conway Award for Christian Living.
Karly Nakani presents Derrek Labbée with Bradley's Badge of CourageDevan Pelletier is awarded Highest Standing Boy.Stevie Weilgosh is awarded Highest Standing Girl.
Mme. Dauphine Campbell presents Robyn Avis with an award for excellence in Core French (FSL)
Claire Milks presents Derrek Labbée with the Catholic Women's Society Award for Most Improved.
Wynter Fluet is presented with the Ontario Catholic Teachers' Award for Excellence in History.
Robyn Avis receives the Sportsmanship Award. Cody Oseiki was also recognized with this award.
Sable Brandt receives special merit award for Excellence in Technology.Kimberly Cashman receives special merit award for Excellence in Reading.
