WIIKWEMKOONG—The gymnasium at Wikwemikong High School (WHS) was abuzz with positive energy as family and friends gathered on June 29 to mark the graduation of the Class of 2023. The graduation was ably orchestrated by Jillian Peltier, WHS guidance counsellor, who kept the ceremony running smoothly in her role as master of ceremonies.
WHS staff and soon-to-be graduates processed into the gymnasium to an honour song sung and drumming by Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service Constable Roger Assiniwe.
Principal Harold Fox began the afternoon’s events, offering his words of congratulations to the graduating class. “I am extremely proud of each and every one of you,” he said.
Principal Fox noted he had the vantage point of seeing most of the grads leave Wasse Abin Pontiac School as their principal there before heading on to WHS, where he gets to see them cross the stage again.
“The future is yours,” he told them. “Continue doing your best,” he added, throwing in a slogan from Nike, “‘Just do it!’ Keep paving your future and don’t look back. Chi-miigwetch for letting us be part of your pathway.”
Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Rachel Manitowabi also addressed the graduates. The ogimaa said she was proud and honoured to be there, noting it was a “glorious day” for a number of reasons: the sun was shining and the sky was bright outside, but that it was also bright and sunny inside, thanks to the graduates.
“Most of you have been part of the Wiikwemkoong education system since you were very small, just like I was,” the ogimaa continued. On that journey, the graduates would have heard time and again how important education is from their elders. “They were right, and chances are you’ll continue to hear that.”
The ogimaa said, as leaders, they learned just how important that sentiment is after COVID when learning transitioned from in-person to online and the challenges that brought with it.
“You are the shining examples of strong, intelligent, shining Anishnaabek,” she continued. “I hope the next milestone brings you on the path to further education.”
“As you move forward and challenges come your way, I want you to look back and remember this moment and what you accomplished,” Ogimaa Manitowabi said. “Our future is bright, full of hope and you’re hoping to create the future … you are our community’s role models.”
Maureen Peltier, who has just been named the director of education with the Wikwemikong Board of Education (WBE), also took the opportunity to address the Class of 2023, telling them that it is the collective hope of the Board that what they learned during their time with WBE will allow them to dream big down the road.
Sierra Pangowish, a 2021 WHS graduate, spoke next. Ms. Pangowish just graduated from Georgian College in police foundations and has just secured a summer position with WTPS, she shared. She’ll be working towards a university degree in the fall.
Ms. Pangowish said she admitted to feeling anxious at the start of her post-secondary journey, but eager too. She lived in residence, and during her first year, all classes were virtual. She admitted to finding this a challenge, seven classes plus assignments, all online.
But the second year brought a return to the normal and she dived right in, joining study groups and planned student activities.
Ms. Pangowish said it could be easy to procrastinate but admonished the graduates to stay the course, make a schedule, get their work done, have fun too and reap the rewards.
“Motivation, self-discipline, time management,” she said, are the three key things the students will need.
“It’s so important to be proud of your heritage,” Ms. Pangowish added.
Jonas Assinewai was named class valedictorian by his peers, and he was next on stage to speak to his class, teachers, parents and the community. His speech follows here:
“I would like to welcome parents, guardians, family and friends to Wasse-Abin High School’s 2023 graduation ceremony. My name is Jonas Assinewai and I grew up in Kaboni. And it’s my honour to deliver this commencement address for this incredible graduating class.
To my peers, the ones who have elected and voted for me to be standing here today as Wasse-Abin High’s 2023 Valedictorian. Thank you!
As students and friends, we made many memories in this school. We have been through so much within the last four years.
I know that each and every one of you has something extraordinary. You are all so creative, intelligent and optimistic in so many different and exceptional ways.
I have seen over the last four years the obstacles some of you have overcome and the accomplishments, either big or small, you all achieved.
Despite the difficulties we may face, there is so much opportunity in front of us.
Do not ever doubt yourselves! Conquer life in your own unique way!
As we leave this point, we will travel our own directions and look forward to an uncertain, but exciting, future.
I ask you, graduates of 2023, to use the information, knowledge and life lessons we have received over the last four years.
Learn from your mistakes, be kind, and embrace the unexpected successes.
On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates, I would like to thank administrative staff in the office, the guidance counsellor, the principals, and also teachers.
The ones that took the time, effort and support they have given, from our first day of Grade 9 to our last day of Grade 12: Chi miigwetch!
Also, I would like to give a special shout out to Patsy and the crew for keeping us well fed!
Additionally, I would like to take this time to say thank you to my family!
And thank you to the families of each and every graduate here. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of your continued support.
Chi miigwetch to you all for attending the 2023 Grade 12 Convocation Ceremony.
I was advised to close off my speech with a quote, and I will tell you, it was hard to narrow it down to one of the 40 quotes from Mr. Thibault.
I’m kidding, Thibault!
But I will close with this,
‘Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!
Miigwetch Class of 2023!”
The graduates’ names were then called out and grads were invited to receive their diplomas. Special awards were also acknowledged. This year’s Outstanding Attendance Bursary was given to Stella Flamand while the Outstanding Contribution to the School Bursary was awarded to Ben Lewis. The students and staff then recessed out of the gym with another song by Constable Assiniwe before joining their family and friends for a delicious meal.
Congratulations to the WHS Class of 2023: Jonas Assinewai, Marcus Beaudry, Nicholas Cooper, Sage Eshkawkogan-Recollet, Rianna Eshkawkogan-Shawanda, Stella Flamand, Justina Johnston, Robert Koskie-Obey, Ben Lewis, Sierra Lewis, Aiden Neganegijig-Ballyk, Cadence Pangowish-Peltier, Dorral Recollet and Isadore Trudeau.
