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7, No. 33 November Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Vol. 7, No.Vol. 2, Tuesday, 8, 2011
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
Members of the graduating class of 2012 Lamont High School pose in the courtyard for the official photographer late Saturday afternoon before the reception.
Lamont Grads can make all the difference in the world Michelle Pinon Editor
"Making a difference starts with one, and it starts with you." Those were the last words Bruce Beliveau spoke during his speech to the graduating class of Lamont School on June 15. The superintendent of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) was one of several special guest speakers who addressed the 37 Grade 12 students during the graduation exercises. Beliveau described the students as "strong willed and passionate," and asked them to take the time to think about the people who have made a difference in their lives and take inspiration from them to make a difference in their own lives. He encouraged the students to reach out, even in small ways using simple gestures to make a difference. He used a former student as a shining example, who founded a poverty relief organization in Africa, to help feed, clothe, and educate children there. While everyone will follow their own path, Beliveau said they can all make a difference in their own way.
"All you have to do is take a first step." Principal Lonnie Hicks started his speech by recognizing Ros Bowes , who made a deep impression and played a significant role in the lives of students, teachers, staff, and families in the community. Like Ros, Hicks told students that each and every one of them has a responsibility to show and do their best. "You are natural born test takers," added Hicks, who also reminded the students, "No test is final unless you decide it is." He encouraged the graduates to do their best to prepare for tests, give their best effort, and learn from setbacks. "All tests are diagnostic...and they prepared you for the next test." Assistant principal Jeff Spady brought greetings on behalf of MP Leon Benoit, who congratulated the graduates. "Now it is your turn to make decisions...To move ahead in life you have to have the willingness to work hard." Benoit said he was confident in passing the torch off to the youth, who he is continually impressed by, to lead the country into the future. "I wish each of you success and happiness," said Lamont Mayor Bill Skinner during his address. He encouraged the students to live life to the fullest, not
miss opportunities, and to challenge the known and unknown. Chris Klita brought greetings on behalf of Lamont County, and shared Bill Gates' list of 11 things students will not learn in school. His speech was filled with humour and thoughtful insights, and he urged students not to be afraid to try new things, keep their eyes and ears open, and to focus on what they really want. Colleen Lopushinsky, vice-chair of the EIPS board of trustees, had a personal connection with many of the graduating students. "I've known many of you since you were children." She touched on the meaning of success and failure, that mistakes were opportunities for learning, if students chose to learn the life lessons they offered. Lopushinsky encouraged the students to become life long learners, and take the lessons they have learned in the past and apply them in the future. Lopushinsky told the students to always remember where they came from, and take all of the knowledge and life lessons with them, as they journey into the future. "I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours."