Ripley Grade 8 grads reminded of great experiences over the past 10 years

The Grade 8 graduates at Ripley-Huron Community School were told to remember the great experiences they had throughout the past 10 years.

Valedictorians Madison Beishuizen and Serena Rutledge shared the podium Tuesday night as they congratulated their colleagues and recalled some highlights from their time at the school in Ripley.

From their early years with Mrs. MacDonald in Kindergarten through music festivals, cross-country meets, field trips, EQAO testing and the trip to the Outdoor Education Centre, as well as the joy of learning with Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Agnew, Mrs. Keelan, Mrs. Browne, Mr. Quinn and Miss Grubb.

They said the Grade 8 graduation trip to Toronto was a whirlwind three-day tour with little sleep.

"And thanks to Mr. Quinn, we have full confidence that we will remember that the capital of Canada is ... Toronto," joked Madison. "He's passionate about geography."

"And to Mme Battler for making French exciting and fun," said Serena.

This was a year to remember for the Ravens sports teams as they won regional and Bluewater volleyball, and regional basketball banners, said Serena and Madison.

"It's hard to believe we're all graduating tonight," said Serena. "It's been a great 10 years here. Remember Ripley-Huron Community School and all the great experiences we shared."

"As Dr. Seuss said, 'You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where you'll go'," said Madison and Serena. "Congratulations Class of 2015, we made it!"

Grade 8 teacher Barb Grubb congratulated the class and said the students have learned a lot but have a lot more to learn. "Maintain a positive attitude," she said. "Be helpful, and know that there are people here to help you through the tough times. I wish you a joy-filled transition from Ripley-Huron Community School to high school. I wish you a smooth path to your chosen designation. Congratulations to you all."

The following students received awards:

• Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence - Madison Beishuizen, Wes Ellis, Kyle Henkenhaf, Shayne McCarthy, Darren Newman, Serena Rutledge
• William Turvill Scholastic Achievement award for top average in the graduating class - Kyle Henkenhaf
• Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average -  Serena Rutledge
• Valedictorians - Madison Beishuizen and Serena Rutledge
• Reid's Corners Women's Institute award for progress - Malcolm MacLennan and Ivy Farrell
• Purple Grove Women's Institute Music award - Serena Rutledge and Malcolm MacLennan
• French award - Kyle Henkenhaf
• Albert Wylds History award - Mathew Johnson
• Albert Wylds Geography award - Madison Beishuizen
• Helen Henderson Science award - Darren Newman
• Bruce Power Technology award - Tanner Reid and Liam Kirkpatrick
• Art award - Carson Watson
• English award - Serena Rutledge
• Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies Auxiliary language award - Alex Roppel
• Grubb Memorial Math award - Shayne McCarthy
• CUPE Local 1176 service award - Ivy Farrell
• Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic award - Madison Beishuizen; and Shayne McCarthy and Cameron Lamont
• 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 - Jacob Lotton
• Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality award - Nathan Smith
• HuronTel leadership award - Cameron Lamont and Madison Beishuizen
• MacKenzie and McCreath School Spirit award - Wes Ellis
• Raven award - "Best you Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership - Shayne McCarthy and Serena Rutledge
• Tara Chatham Memorial Athletic award for leadership, participation in sports and demonstrating fair play, team spirit and good sportsmanship - Emma Twolan
• Rose Lowry Memorial Fund award - Kyle Henkenhaf and Emma Twolan
• Kincardine Rotary Club Citizenship award - Luke Richardson
• OSSTF District 7 award - Luke Richardson
• Engineering Inspiration award - sponsored by the Kinetic Knights Robotics team (FRC Team 781) - Wes Ellis