Sixty-nine students received graduation certificates from Virden Collegiate Institute, Tuesday morning, Jun. 27 in Tundra Oil & Gas Place.
Principal Mark Keown opened the convocation ceremonies; Student Council President Jeanette Alotinto was all smiles as she spoke briefly; and VCI Choir Graduates sang “For Good”.
Subject awards were announced by teacher Michael Bertram, followed by the presentation of 77 scholarships/awards, representing tens of thousands of dollars from charitable groups, businesses and individual families, to help students go forward with the next phase of their lives.
John Chandler, Vickie Edwards, Darren Denty, Deb Peters, and Dorothe Tripp presented the graduates; Michael Bertram placed the gold sash denoting those who graduated on the honour roll. Principal Mark Keown, (having moved from principal of VJH four years ago, to become the administrator of the collegiate), had the unusual job of having these students in junior high and now ushering them into life beyond VCI. He presented each student with their graduation certificate. He also had the joy of having his own son among the graduates.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Garry Draper turned the tassel, signifying their completed Grade 12 education.
The tribute to parents and the parent response brought tears, both to grads and families. With Sandra Unger on the keyboard, Brandt Unger played his guitar and sang a song that went something like this, “From the first day, 13 years ago, my biggest fan everywhere I go, walked me into class...It’s time I gave some credit back to you...you’re more than just my mom, you’re my friend.”
Sandra Unger, a music teacher at Elkhorn School and accomplished musician sang, “We were moms with little kids in tow, ‘tending T-ball games ... hockey games and music rooms, life would be one giant super show; but as you stand there in your graduation gown there’s just one thing...you’re more than just my son, you’re my friend.”
Ending as a duet, they sang, “Now this day has come for all of us...things, we know, will never be the same...together we will just embrace the change...” The tribute was cheered and applauded.
Two young men shared the Valedictorian address. As a tag team, Nicholas Hyatt and Carson Langlois spoke by turn, beginning by saying, “Today is a day to be thankful and a day to be inspired...thanks to our administration and teachers, we are prepared to move on and get through whatever obstacles life throws our way.”
In recognition of family support, they said, “It was good to know our families always had our back, no matter what.”
Addressing fellow graduates, the duo pointed out that everyone is different, excelling at different things. “Because we all excel at such a wide variety of fields, we have faith that we will be able to help shape our society for the better in many ways.”
The anticipated Governor General’s Bronze Medal was presented to Morgan Chapman for her Grade 11 and 12 overall average of 97.5%. On behalf of the Right Hon. David Johnson, Superintendent of Schools for FLBSD Barry Pitz presented the medal.
Principal Mark Keown, in his closing address acknowledged the time enjoyed as principal of VJH, with this group of students there, and continuing with them in VCI.
“Being able to see you grow up, turn into the person you are today, mature, young adults, it’s been a long stretch since Grade 5, for some of you, some who joined in Grade 9. You just jived, everybody found their niche. We had some tough days, some tough conversations. We were just working on your resilience and testing my patience.”
VCI recipient of the Governor General’s Bronze Medal for academic excellence, Jessica McBride accepts the medal presented by FLBSD Superintendent Barry Pitz, during the Virden Collegiate Institute Graduation Convocation, Tuesday morning, Jun.27.
Virden Collegiate Institute graduating Class of 2017 files into Tundra Oil & Gas Place arena in alphabetical order, for the convocation ceremony. Leading the way, Jeanette Dimarucot Alotinto, outgoing student council president, will step to the microphone to say a few words on behalf of VCI student body.
Teacher Michael Bertram , VCI Graduate Trina Renee Chaske warmly congratulated by Principal Mark Kewon.
Unique, but oh so fitting, in a duet Brandt Unger sings the Grad Tribute to Parents, with his mother, Sandra Unger responding for the parents. The touching tribute brought tears among grads and their families.
Nicholas Hyatt (l) and Carson Langlois deliver the Valedictorian address.
With the official morning convocation ceremony over graduates, throughout the arena are receiving hugs and congratulations from family and friends.
VCI Principal Mark Kewon has a proud moment presenting his graduating son Shane with his certificate.
