​Ripley-Huron Community School Class of 2025 celebrates Grade 8 graduation

The gymnasium at Ripley-Huron Community School was alight with decorations as the 19 Grade 8 graduates gathered with their families, teachers and staff and members of the community for the graduation ceremony, Tuesday night, June 24.

Principal Rochelle Fraizinger welcomed everyone and the diplomas were presented.

Jan Johnstone, local trustee on the Bluewater District School Board, brought greetings, and congratulated the graduates.

“Today marks an ending and a beginning, as you prepare to enter secondary school,” she said. “You’ve found your voice and you can now use it to shape your future and your community. Never forget where you came from. Ripley-Huron Community School will always be a part of your story.”

Awards were presented, followed by the valedictorians’ address by Nyla Nixon and Ricky Cormier-Plante.

In a tag-team approach, they thanked their classmates, teachers and families for being there for them along the way, and then recounted the ups and downs, fun and laughter, challenges and shenanigans that the graduates endured and enjoyed over the past 10 years.

“It feels like just yesterday we were those wide-eyed Kindergarteners in Mrs. MacDonald’s and Mrs. Andrews’ class, maybe a little scared, clutching our parents’ hands on that first day of school,” said Ricky. “It was the beginning of our school journey and we thought that would be the worst of it, but in reality, it was the easiest part.”

“Yeah, I think my social skills peaked during circle time,” said Nyla. “We spent our days building towers of blocks, painting masterpieces (mostly on ourselves), and singing at our very first school concerts.”

The journey continued through Grades 1 and 2, and then into Grade 3 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and classes ended right after March Break. Grade 4 was very challenging as the students were in and out of school monthly.

Before they knew it, they were preparing for the Grade 6 EQAO, and then into Grade 7 with Mrs. Elliott’s endless notes. “Mrs. Elliott doesn’t believe in Grade 7s going outside or watching movies during school,” said Nyla, “but luckily, Mr. Quinn did!”

And finally, Grade 8, their graduating year, with quick writes, bell work, and then Christmas break, followed by numerous snow days. “By the time we got back to school, it was too late,” said Nyla, “everyone was ready for summer!”

“From start to finish, our journey with this group of students has been a wonderful one,” said Ricky.

They then outlined something special about each individual graduate, and every staff member.

“We are here to give you a reminder that every one of you is special in your own way, and no matter what anybody says or does to you,” said Ricky. “You should change for no one and keep being you.”

“We look back on the days when we would take the parachute and tuck it under us, creating the bubble all around ourselves which was our elementary world,” said Nyla.

“Today is the day we take a brave and treacherous step outside that parachute into a giant brand new one, with endless possibilities, and its name is high school,” said Ricky.

“Thank you for listening and as Mrs. D. would say, this speech is 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... and ... done!”

Awards were presented to the following students:
 

• Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence – Tyanna Bolton, Mateo Brigneti, Ricky Cormier-Plante, Kyla Dewar, Audrey Kernighan, Emily Ricica, Nora Rivett, Ayla Wall
• William Turvill Scholastic Achievement Award for top average in the graduating class – Nora Rivett
• Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average – Audrey Kernighan
• Valedictorian Award – Nyla Nixon and Ricky Cormier-Plante
• Dr. Don W. MacDonald Memorial Award for leadership in agricultural and related projects in the community – Laia VanderWoude
• English Award – Tyanna Bolton
• Janet Browne Music Award, sponsored by the Purple Grove Women's Institute – Jack Cronshaw
• French Award – Nora Rivett
• Helen Henderson Science and Technology Award – Emily Ricica
• Art Award – Ayla Wall
• Dave Quinn History Award – Nora Rivett
• Dave Quinn Geography Award – Mateo Brigneti
• Bruce Power Science and Technology Award – Ricky Cormier-Plante
• Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary Language Award – Jean-Luc Clarke
• Grubb Memorial Math Award – Ricky Cormier-Plante
• CUPE Local 1176 Service Award – Jack Cronshaw
• Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic Award – Kyla Dewar, Ricky Cormier-Plante and Cal Moffat
• Steven Taylor Memorial Award for a student who demonstrates consistent effort and has overcome significant learning challenges to perform to the best of his/her ability – Oliver LeBlanc
• Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality Award – Courtney Cassidy
• HuronTel leadership Award – Kyla Dewar and Cal Moffat
• MacKenzie and McCreath School Spirit Award – Ayla Wall
• Raven Award - "Be the Best You Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership – Nyla Nixon and Cooper Rutledge
• Rose Lowry Memorial Fund Award – Talia Elphick and Owen Neitzel
• Engineering Inspiration Award - sponsored by the Kinetic Knights Robotics Team (FRC Team 781) – Mateo Brigneti
• Bruce County Beef Farmers Award – Ayla Wall
• Larissa Chalmers Initiative Award – Audrey Kernighan
• Ontario Principal Council Award – Nyla Nixon

The evening ended with a dance and social time for the graduates.