On June 7, around 50 students from the Pontiac Continuing Education Centre’s (CEDEC) Commerce and Academic programs gathered to celebrate their graduation.

In the small conference room, students along with family and friends sat in their chairs eagerly awaiting to hear their name called to receive their respective diplomas from the school’s principal Jennifer Dubeau.

Following an introductory speech from the principal congratulating graduates and thanking them for everything they brought to the school, staff members doled out multiple certificates to several well-deserving students celebrating the qualities they demonstrated like determination, dedication and even completing a year of a program among other things.

After the ceremony, students and staff took pictures and indulged in cake, coffee and Tim Bits along with other pleasantries.

During her speech, Dubeau noted that the end of the school year is always a special time for her and it’s not just because of vacation.

With many graduating students having already secured jobs in their respective fields, she feels fortunate to be able to play a factor in their growth and eventual success.

“What’s most special about this time of year is that you’re able to see the growth that actually happened to the students,” she said “You know that they came in in September. Maybe they’ve been here for a couple of years and in June you always see growth.”

Having worked in all levels of education from elementary to post-secondary, Dubeau feels like she’s finally found her niche at CEDEC.

Working in a small school with such a tight-knit culture, she’s noticed that the school is as much of an academic institution as one big family.

“Probably one of the greatest things that students experience here, from the teachers to the students in every program, they do form a bond,” she said. “They don’t always see each other in every class. But they see each other at lunch time, at break time and once they get to know each other they support each other and pick each other up.”

Having formed a special bond with a good portion of her students she can’t help but feel little bit sad to see them leave.

“It is [bittersweet to see the graduating students leaving],” she said. “But on the other hand, it’s exciting because all of our commerce graduates, they all have a job whether it be in accounting or secretarial. It’s bittersweet but it makes you kind of proud too. They’re all so proud to be working and contributing to a better family life, the community and whatnot. So, it makes you proud. All those moments make you proud as an educator.”

On June 7, around 50 students from the Pontiac Continuing Education Centre’s (CEDEC) Commerce and Academic programs gathered at Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary in Shawville to celebrate their graduation. Pictured, CEDEC principal Jennifer Dubeau addresses the group of graduates during the ceremony.

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