St. Joseph’s graduating class of 2017 following their ceremony June 26.

Hub Staff

The culmination of years of elementary education was celebrated at St. Joseph’s School’s Graduation Ceremony June 26 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Port Elgin.

The ceremony featured musical presentations by graduating student T.J. Lute who performed “Humble and Kind” as well a special version of “On Eagle’s Wings” performed by teachers Mrs. Hewitt, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Broughton.

Graduating students and Co-Valedictorians Sarah Heenan and Owen Lang shared the stage and microphone for two separate speeches, both including thanks to teachers, praise of fellow students and a memory of a broken elevator during the Grade 8 class trip.

Principal Keith Walsh spoke about the journey that each student took to get to graduation and how they’ll remember the good times and how struggles helped to form them. “Believe me, there will be some tough times ahead but realizing in the moment that you’ll be fine and realizing that it builds perseverance, determinations and character. Graduates you have so much in front of you to look ahead to,” said Walsh, reminding graduates to appreciate the present as well as the past.

St. Joseph’s Award Winners:

Rotary Club Service Above Self: Graham Starrs
Athlete of the Year: Ethan Cutting and Natalia Perico-Villamil
Inspiring Possibilities (Community Living): Kadin Kahgee
Lions Club Citizenship Award: Sarah Heenan
Chamber of Commerce Math/Science: Skyler Pomroy
Optimist’s Caring Award: Kaitlyn Bull
Knights of Columbia Most Proficient: Grace Woods
Catholic Women’s League Christian Living: Sarah Heenan
Bruce Power Science and Technology: James Fowler
Most Improved (Parent Council): T.J. Lute
Rena Kelley Award: Avery Blundell
Catholic Graduate: Owen Lang
Principal’s Award: Colette Barrett
Valedictorian Awards: Owen Lang, Sarah Heenan
Language Arts: Grace Woods
French Immersion: Natalia Perico-Villamil
Core French: Owen Lang
Math Award: Natalia Perico-Villamil
Science: Colette Barrett
History: Ethan Cutting
Geography: Crystal Clark
Health and Phys Ed: Graham Starrs
Music: Colette Barrett
Visual Arts: Kaitlyn Bull
Drama and Dance: T.J. Lute
Computers and Technology: Ethan Cutting
Attendance Award: Owen Lang

Congratulations to the 2017 St. Joseph’s Graduates:

Colette Barrett
Avery Blundell
Robert Broughton
Kaitlyn Bull
Crystal Clark
Ethan Cutting
James Fowler
Sarah Heenan
Kadin Kahgee
Owen Lang
T.J. Lute
Liam O’Kane
Natalia Perico-Villamil
Skyler Pomroy
Graham Starrs
Grace Woods

Mark Kraemer of the Port Elgin Rotary Club presented the Service Above Self Award to Graham Starrs.

Staff member Scott Moorehead presented the Athlete of the Year Awards to Ethan Cutting and Natalia Perico-Villamil.

Kim Capstick presented T.J. Lute with the Most Improved Award.

St. Joseph’s Principal Keith Walsh presented the Principal’s Award to Colette Barrett.

Staff member Ashley Clark presented Valedictorian Awards to Owen Lang and Sarah Heenan.