M’CHIGEENG—The atmosphere was electric at Manitoulin Secondary School as students, families and faculty members came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the graduating class of 2023. The Manitoulin Secondary School graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of these students, who are now ready to take on the new challenges the next chapter in their life will bring them.
There were hugs, photos and maybe a couple of tears as parents, friends and community members filed into the gym to take their seats. By the time the ceremony began the room was filled to the brim with people coming to witness the teenage rite of passage that is graduation.
The hosts of the graduation, teachers Mike Zegil and Yana Bauer, commenced the ceremony by welcoming everyone. Shortly after, the honour guard marched in, leading the MSS staff and, lastly, the students. Once everyone was seated, O Canada was sung by Grade 9 students Cameron Meawasige and Phoebe Aeschliman. This was followed by a rendition of ‘I Am Still Your Dreamer’ done by the MSS choir directed by teacher Mr. Fowler.
“Tonight is a time to be joyful, and maybe a little relieved, but mostly a time to be proud,” observed Mr. Zegil. Participating in this ceremony were the platform guests. This included Vice Principal Dawn McCann, Trustee Lisa Corbiere-Addison, MPP Michael Mantha, First Nations Trustee Linda Debassige, Director of Education Bruce Bourget, Principal David Wiwchar, Superintendent of Schools Lesley Fisher and Vice Principal Travis Cor biere.
The first of the platform guests to speak was Trustee Debassige. “Life is what you make of it,” said Ms. Debassige, “those are the words of elders.” Her speech was an inspiring one, thanking people who have played a role in the graduates’ lives and also leaving the graduates with some important messages to take with them. “The greatest currency we have is time,” Ms. Debassige concluded.
Trustee Corbiere-Addison spoke next at the podium. She began by telling a story many Manitoulin students can relate to–one of being each other’s enemies, competing against each other in different elementary schools and then coming together at MSS and playing for the same team. “We support one another and help each other grow,” she said. Trustee Corbiere-Addison continued to address the graduating students with advice to take with them for the future. “Change, be able to pivot. Perseverance is key,” she told the students. Her speech came to a close with the final words, “grow wings, carry yourself around the world.”
“Let’s get ready to rumble,” opened Member of Provincial Parliament Mike Mantha. As he continued his speech Mr. Mantha encouraged students to use what they have learned throughout their life to guide them. “This is your time, figure it out,
Mr. Mantha made a point of looking directly at graduate students on either side of the podium during his speech. “Don’t forget where home is, because we are going to need you,” he told them. “Stand tall, take your place, demand what’s coming to you.”
Principal Wiwchar then announced that three members of the MSS staff will be leaving next year. The high school will no longer have the talents of Ms. McCann, Ms. Marshall or Mr. Corbiere. A second announcement from Mr. Wiwchar brought good news. Every year there is an awards ceremony for graduate students that local sponsors have contributed to. This ceremony takes place in the winter when students who attended post-secondary school are on winter break. This is a second chance to celebrate the efforts of the students and their contributions to MSS. Mr. Wiwchar continued, praising the students for their many accomplishments this year in sports and academics.
Before diplomas were handed out, the M’Chigeeng Ladies Hand Drum Group presented the graduates with an Honour Song. It was an inspiring moment as the group began to drum and sing for the students. It was special for graduates to have been played for and honoured before officially walking across the stage.
“Graduates, this is the moment you have been awaiting for the past 4-5 years…you will be crossing the stage to receive your Ontario Secondary School Diploma,” Mr. Zegil said before parents began to scoot to the front of the hall to get photos.
Family members of graduates who have grown up on the Island may have seen themselves walking across that stage receiving their diploma from Manitoulin Secondary School. Anxiously waiting for their names to be called and smiling for the camera, all within the same gym as their child, niece, nephew or cousin, just separated by time.
After all the names were called, the valedictorian was introduced. Rhys Allison was the Class of 2023’s valedictorian, elected by his classmates. Rhys maintained a 90 percent average with his consistent work ethic and his ability to meet the demands of his assignments. He treated classmates with kindness and possesses a patient nature. He was a part of the robotics team for three-and-a-half years and participated in a season of gymnastics. Rhys was accepted into the Royal Military College in Kingston where he plans to go this fall.
