Senior high school students across the Pontiac celebrated the completion of their last classes last week, dressing up in their finest formalwear for one last hurrah with their fellow classmates and teachers, and THE EQUITY was there for all of it.

ESSC students ‘already making a difference’

Thursday’s wet weather did not dampen the gleeful spirits of the 45 students of École secondaire Sieur de Coulonge (ESSC) who gathered to celebrate the end of their five-year high school journeys that evening at a dinner and dance organized by parents.

Over 300 people, including the students, gathered at the St. Pierre church in Fort Coulonge where a group photo of the students was taken, followed by a dinner and speeches at the Knights of Columbus hall next door.

Speeches were given by ESSC principal Julie Martin, as well as Sabrina Gravlin, president of the Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais service centre’s board of directors, and Louis-Philippe Larivière, the service centre’s secretary general.

“Don’t try to get it all right on the first try. Work instead to learn, to listen, to evolve, and to stay loyal to who you are. The world needs youth like you – creative, brilliant, open and passionate,” Devlin, who also has two kids at the school, told the students in French. “And never forget, you’re already making a difference.”

Each student was also called to the front to receive a small gift from the school. Once dinner plates had been cleared and last encouraging words had been shared with soon-to-be graduates, the floor where they were recognized one by one quickly transitioned into a dance floor for all.

‘Be bold, be loud,’ teacher tells PHS seniors

Students from Pontiac High School (PHS) celebrated five years of achievements at the Shawville fairgrounds on Friday evening, surrounded by friends, family, and staff.

Clad in their finest suits and gowns, 65 students set to graduate this year honoured the significant milestone with speeches and a catered dinner.

Student Allie Benoit thanked the teachers and staff at PHS for the positive impact they had on the students during their time at the school.

“No amount of thank yous can be said to repay the level of joy, knowledge, laughter, wonderful experiences, and smiles that these people have brought to not only individuals in school, but outside as well,” she said, before offering a congratulatory send-off to the class that was met with a cheer and applause from the crowd.

“Congrats, class of 2025. Let’s make this night a great one!”

Presenting the address from the staff was teacher Jordan Kent, who made a tribute to every single student before drawing a parallel between PHS’ 2025 graduating class and the party setting on an old radio he used to share with his brother.

“If we wanted to get the party going, it had one special feature, an extra volume level. It would go from eight, to nine, to 10. It was loud, like really loud. But push it a little further, and it would make a little click – level eleven,” he said.

“The whole thing would rattle, the music pumping. You, the class of 2025, were the party, you turned it up, you are level eleven.”

In his closing remarks, Kent encouraged students to make the most of the exciting next step of their lives.

“The next party is about to get started, and it’s a wild one. It’s the party of your life, so have the boom box ready. Don’t stay at home or hide in the corner. You have to be bold, you have to be loud. Crank it up to level eleven, class of 2025.”

‘Not just classmates’ at DWKS

Nineteen soon-to-be graduates of Dr. Wilbert Keon School (DWKS) were celebrated for completing their high school diplomas at a farewell ceremony held at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex on Saturday evening.

After a group photo out front, the students entered the venue one by one, each introduced individually and welcomed with an applause from the friends and family in attendance.

Although not an official graduation, as marks are not returned from the ministry until later in the year, the event served as a meaningful send-off for the students as they prepare for life beyond high school.

The ceremony featured a dinner and addresses from valedictorian Claudia Gagnon, student council president Ashton Gmeiner, parent representative Amanda Ranger, and principal Neil Fleming.

In his remarks, Gmeiner reflected on the close bond shared by the small graduating class.

“We weren’t just classmates, we were something more,” he said, speaking to the connection formed within the small group of just 19 students over the course of the 13 years some spent at the school, which serves as both an elementary and high school.

Fleming, who will be retiring this year, centered his speech around the theme of privilege, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support and guide the students throughout their time at DWKS.

“Knowing that I have been part of developing your readiness for life’s next steps has been a privilege,” he said.

Following the speeches, awards were presented to students in recognition of their achievements, and the evening concluded with a commemorative slideshow.