Chris Lowrey
SHAWVILLE June 20, 2018
With the official start of summer upon us, many students will be starting a new chapter in their lives as graduation marks a big step for them.
The students at the Pontiac Continuing Education Centre are no different.
A total of eight students graduated from the centre this year.
The continuing education centre offers both academic and vocational studies.
Students can earn their high school diploma or complete pre-requisites for college or university.
For instance, students can get a commerce diploma in accounting or secretarial studies.

The centre allows students to work at their own pace which means some students can move through the program at an accelerated speed.
“As soon as they get their credits they can graduate,” said program coordinator Joan Zimmerling.
The placement rate of the facility is impressive. In fact, a number of students couldn’t attend the graduation because they were working.
Regardless of age, anyone can enlist as long as they are over 16 by June 30, in order to attend in September.
“It’s for whoever wants to get a diploma,” Zimmerling said.
The small class sizes also give students the opportunity to have more one-on-one time with their instructors.
Each student gets a three-week placement opportunity with a local employer. Zimmerling said these placements have resulted in jobs for some students.
The goal of the program is to broaden the horizons of those who attend.
“[Graduating] opens doors to so many other things,” Zimmerling said.
Although the graduates don’t get the typical cap and gown treatment from most ceremonies, Zimmerling said it’s a big day for many of them.
“It’s important to have a graduation to recognize their hard work,” she said. “It’s another stepping stone and it’s an important one.”