WIIKWEMKOONG—An impressive 18 graduates donned their caps and gowns and crossed the floor of Wikwemikong High School (WHS) on Thursday, June 27, marking the next step on their journey into adulthood.
Long-time WHS guidance counsellor Jillian Peltier welcomed everyone to the graduation in her role as master of ceremonies, introducing Principal Harold Fox.
“Congratulations, guys, we can finally put the year behind us,” Principal Fox began. “It was quite the year, but we came out on top. Congrats. We wish you the best,” he said, encouraging the grads to drop the school a line to share the news of their happenings. “Nahow?” he asked them. They nodded in agreement.
Dylan MacDonnell, Wikwemikong Board of Education (WBE) superintendent, noted that many of the graduates being celebrated that afternoon were in his very first class as a teacher. “It’s awe-inspiring to see them now,” he shared.
“Today is a monumental day,” Mr. MacDonnell continued. “It’s the culmination of years of hard work … you’re resilient, resourceful and ready to take on the world. Remember, the journey is just as important as the finish.”
“It’s rapidly changing world that needs you,” the superintendent added. “Your unique talents and perspectives are what the world needs now more than ever.”
This year’s 2024 convocation welcomed special guest Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services Constable Raven Manitowabi, herself a WHS alum from the class of 2016.
Constable Manitowabi is a product of the WBE system, attending all four schools in Wiikwemkoong, and is a proud mother of four. She attended Laurentian University to study biomedical chemistry with a minor in Indigenous healing. Constable Manitowabi told the graduates she loved “the rez life,” and knew she would always return home. She shared how she had every intention of going to medical school, but COVID and a stint with the crisis response team changed her plans. Constable Manitowabi said she felt compelled to work with the police in her home community following that experience and graduated from police college alongside her younger sister.
“I know it seems repetitive, but the only competitor is yourself,”’ she added. “Follow through with your goals. I failed calculus twice, but I didn’t give up and I eventually passed.”
She told the graduates that it’s okay to feel lost and confused at times—it’s part of the process—but encouraged them to always dream big. “Be proud of who you are, your identity and culture.”
Awards were presented to several students for their good works throughout the year: Outstanding Contribution to the School Award, Isabella Manitowabi; Outstanding Attendance Award, Jayden Anwhatin-Wabanosse; Earle Trades and Technology Bursary, Daniel Trudeau; Cambrian College Entrance Bursary, Isabella Manitowabi.
Isabella Manitowabi was then welcomed to the podium as the Class of 2024 valedictorian. Her speech follows here:
“Aanii, good afternoon graduates, parents, friends, family, faculty, and staff. Welcome everyone, my name is Isabella Manitowabi and it is an honor to have the opportunity to speak to you today. I was told that I needed to make people laugh at least once during my speech today, but to tell the truth, I am not really a funny person and was not sure how to do that, so I would like to speak the way I know how and hopefully I will make this short.
“We did it, we all accomplished one of the major early milestones of our lives: high school graduation. This is a major step into our journey, and it should be celebrated, acknowledged, remembered and cherished for its immense significance. Throughout our high school career, we never stopped learning, we made memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime, and we grew into who we are today, but it is important to remember how we got here, the challenges we faced, mistakes we made, the extreme highs and remarkable lows, the people who supported us and all the accomplishments we have made along the way.
“As we close this chapter of our lives and look towards the future. We must remember the lessons we have learned in and outside of school and the values that have been instilled in us by our families, our communities and our culture.
“Graduation is not the end goal itself; it is instead a part of the larger journey of life. Wherever your future takes you, whether that may be to post-secondary, the work force, or straight into being an active community member, let it take you somewhere. But let us not forget the responsibility that comes with our education. Let us use our knowledge and skills to not only achieve personal success but also to uplift those around us and effect positive change in society. We are the architects of our future, tasked with helping to shape the world.
“I was given advice that I would like to share with you all today and that is, “don’t be afraid to fail” and I believe those words are true because with failure comes remarkable success, and opportunity, to learn, grow, build, evolve and discover what our future holds in store for us.
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get here, we could not have done it without support and encouragement and to my fellow graduates I would like to urge you all to seize this moment, strive for your goals and celebrate how far each one of us has come and how far we have left to go.
“Congratulations! WHS Class of 2024 let us all go out and start the next chapter of our story and leave our mark on the world. Miigwech.”
Congratulations to the WHS Class of 2024, Mercedes Aibens, Meeshen Akiwenzie, Jayden Anwhatin-Wabanosse, Julianna Assiniwe, Tamara Bondy-Naokwegijig, Andrew Fox, Tryce Francis, Isabella Manitowabi, Haley Manitowabi-Trudeau, Blaine Naokwegijig, Jordan Ominika-Cooper, Amelia Osawaimiki, Marlin Pangowish, Raiden Peltier, Wassnodeh Recollet, Arianna Recollet-Johnston, Daniel Trudeau and Rakejah Wallace.
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
