École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School’s Award winners, June 28.

Hub Staff

There were no empty seats at École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School’s (ÉPESC) grade 8 graduation celebration on June 28, that saw three grade eight classes graduate.

From inflatable swans, hanging lights and decorations throughout the gym, the Wildcats graduated in style.

Valedictorian Brandin Keneer served his class well, with a speech that included a creative comparison of his time at ÉPESC mirroring a hero’s journey that could be chronicled in a fantasy book. His speech was met with a standing ovation from his fellow students, parents and family members in attendance.

“Although many of us have hard some hard times since being here, eventually we will all reach a day like today, when we complete it,” said Keneer during his address.

“I am happy that I will have you people, my friends, to hold my hand as we enter the next chapter, the chapter where we find out that, yes we are part of an adventure and a puzzle; but most of all, we are part of a story, our story.”

Keener completed his speech the only way he knew how, with a quote from Canadian rock band, Trooper.

“We are here for a good time, not a long time.”

Wildcats earning awards were:

Kenzie Foster Scholarship: Taylor Ribey
Academic Scholarship: Michael Marques
Math Award: Zaid Rafiq
Science Award: Mitchell McKay
Geography Award: Isaac Bester
Athletic Award: Samara Quanz and Brady McGillivary
Music Award: Curtis Vandenberg
MlleInstrumental Music Award: Hunter Barnard
Wildcat Award of Merit: Gracienne Swarbrick, Anna Nicholson and Rowan Stephenson
Principal Award: Cydney Morris
Knights of Columbus Award: Philly Baumberger
Lion’s Club Citizenship: Quillan Ward
Optimist Award:Taylor Ribey
Saugeen Shores Fire Fighter’s Association: Amy Oliveria
Canadian Parents for French Award: Cydney Morris
French Award: Kai Kirkby
Diane Primeau Above and Beyond Award: Jessica McPherson and Renee Brown
Heart and Soul Award: Brandin Keneer
Creativity Through Media Award: Nazahah Ali
Heather Campbell Career of Excellence Award: Cheyanne Toye
Science and Technology Award: Hayden Cheeseman
Service above Self Award: Amber Gallie
Wildcat Math Award: Matthew Martin
Language Art Award: Olivia Weigand
OSSTF Award: Ameloa Willson
History Award: Brandan Crombeen
Howard Collins Award: Jacob Condy
CUPE Service Award: Trent Ferris
Student Volunteer Award: Cydney Morris.

Principal Deborah Rayner presented Cydney Morris with the Principal’s Award, June 28 at the school’s Grade 8 graduation ceremony.

Brandin Keneer during his valedictorian address, June 28.

Brandin Keneer’s valedictorian address brought his classmates to their feet.