Saugeen District Secondary School’s graduating class of 2016, before their commencement ceremony, October 7.

Hub Staff

The Saugeen District Secondary School’s (SDSS) graduating class of 2016 was honoured and celebrated during the SDSS commencement ceremony October 7.

Approximately 120 graduates crossed the stage to be handed their diplomas and over 50 awards, including bursaries, were given out during the ceremony, by various organizations and community leaders.

Principal Melissa McEwen opened the commencement ceremony and said that she was confident that SDSS had prepared each student well. “Each of you has a bright and exciting future ahead of you and I’m sure that your parents and guardians have given you important life skills to make good decisions along the way,” added McEwen.

“It’s that extra degree of effort that separates the good from the great,” said McEwen as she related the subtle difference between hot and boiling water and how just one degree separates the two.

“Be that extra degree, from 211 to 212. Are you ready, ready to push yourself to 212, to be the locomotive full of strength, commitment, determination and conviction?”

She went on to say, “remember that 211 degrees of water is hot, but 212 degrees is boiling. With boiling water comes steam and steam can power a train. Just one extra degree makes all the difference.”

Following her speech, newly elected Saugeen First Nation Chief, Lester Anoquot, a former SDSS graduate spoke about the First Nations lifelong learning and how the charter wasn't broken but needed some reformation. He congratulated the graduates and spoke of the interconnectedness of life. He then asked the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) to consider the full immersion of the Ojibway language in schools, starting with primary students through to post secondary.

Valedictorian Meagan Fowler, who is currently studying acting at George Brown College, said conviction was the first time she returned home since leaving for post secondary education in September. “I’m glad to be able to see everybody's faces again. It’s nice to come back and see familiar faces and feel at home, especially since I’ve been in Toronto, and it’s such a big difference from Port Elgin so it’s nice to be back to see my classmates again,” said Fowler.

She said it was an honour to be chosen as the class of 2016’s valedictorian. “It’s an absolute honour. I was very overwhelmed at first but obviously I couldn't pass up this opportunity and I’m very happy to represent my class.” She went on to say that she tried to keep her speech as authentic as possible; to share her opinions on what she believes and what everybody can learn from life.

“I just really wanted it to be personal and not come off as just a speech,” said Fowler.

Graduates from as far away of British Columbia came to take part in the ceremony, however some students were unable to make the ceremony as they had exams and some currently live and attend school across oceans.

Graduates Bridgette Lightbody, Abby Jackson and Simonne Myette, before the commencement ceremony at Saugeen District Secondary School October 7.

Bruce Power Co-op teacher Tim Smith with award winners Hossom Gomaa (Bruce Power Future Innovator Award) Utsab Roychowdhury (Bruce Power Leadership Award) and Taylor Carr (Bruce Power Award - Female Pursuing a Skilled Trade).

On the left, Susan Dollar presented graduate Kyra Smith with the Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Fraser Memorial Scholarship. On the right, Drama Teacher Leslie Turcotte presented Valedictorian Meagan Fowler with the Performing Arts of Saugeen Shores Award.

On the left, Connie Moss presented Jordan Ruegg with the Chantry Island Chambettes Community Service Award. On the right, Teacher Joe Chappell presented graduate Steven Langendoen with the Christopher Knott Memorial Award October 7 at the Saugeen District Secondarty School commencement ceremony.

On the left, Principal Melissa McEwen presented the Janet McNally First Nations Education Award to Eric Wellington. On the right, Vice-Deputy Mayor Diane Huber presented graduate Ella Bolton with the W.J. Coulter Award.

Saugeen District Secondary School's graduating class of 2016.