Sixty Pontiac youth turned the final page on their high school careers on Saturday night, crossing the stage at Pontiac High School (PHS) to celebrate their official graduation from the institution.
The former students returned to their alma mater from whatever adventure they had been pursuing since finishing their last classes in June to take stock of all they accomplished in their time at the school.
In his address to the former students, PHS principal Luke McLaren commended them for their resilience and adaptability.
“The world is changing at a pace never seen before. With the exponential pace of change, especially with the advent of AI, I cannot guarantee that the curriculum you have been taught these past 5 years will still be relevant in the year 2030,” he said.
“What I do know is this: by being here tonight, you have demonstrated the ability to adapt and change over the past five years. These attributes will serve you well whether it be in higher education, career development, family life or public service. You have risen to meet the challenges before you.”
Over 50 awards were given out by municipalities, community service clubs, businesses, and in the name of community leaders in recognition of the diversity of achievements hard-won by the graduating class – awards for academic achievement, school spirit and leadership, for athletic skill, for perseverance and more.
Nearly one third of the graduating class received the Principal’s Award of Distinction for achieving an academic average of 80 per cent or higher.
The recipients were Jaxson Armstrong, Carter Beauregard, Allie Benoit, Emma Frobel, Léa Gagnon, Isaac Graham, Jade Joanisse, Callum Maloney, Mackenzie McKenny, Canyssa Moffatt, Carissa Moffatt, Olivier Muratori-Dousett, Yanni Newberry, Brooklyn Pachal, Ava Schellenberg, Matt Sheppard, Emma Smith, Julia Smith, and Rilley Smith.
“The number of honour roll students is very significant, and it is something that we are extremely proud of,” McLaren told THE EQUITY following the event. “It demonstrates that not only are students achieving ministry certification, but our students are excelling.”
