Grade 8 graduates from GC Huston Public School gathered at the Southampton Curling Club for their graduation ceremony June 25.

Hub Staff

With renovations currently underway in GC Huston Public School's gymnasium, the Southampton school recognized their Grade 8 class during an evening graduation ceremony at the Southampton Curling Club June 25.

Grade 8 teacher Shawna Williamson spoke to the graduates and welcomed parents, family and friends to the ceremony before handing the microphone over to Valedictorians Hailey Johnson and Jack Bennett.

Johnson spoke about the opportunities they had had at the school to learn about the 7 Grandfather Teachings. “As we grow older we are going to see how this is going to be incorporated in our lives,” she said. “While it is so important to learn about math, science and geography in order to be successful in school, learning about Respect, Truth, Honesty, Bravery, Love, Wisdom, and Humility will make us successful as human beings.”

Bennett continued telling his class mates that life is a series of paths. “We are leaving one and moving on to the next. We are not all going to follow the same path. It could be a long and winding path with many twists and turns,” he explained. “Use the Grandfather Teachings and it will always keep you on the good path.”

The Valedictorians gave special thanks to Principal Dan Russell, who is leaving the school after eight years.

“His leadership and optimism has inspired many of us to believe that we can do great things,” said Bennett. “Now that we are graduating, Mr. Russell has decided to leave as well, his life is continuing on the good path and he knows that no matter where he goes, Once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”

Russell remarked that the 2018 graduating class were Grade 1 students when he first arrived at GC Huston as their new principal. “They've grown up with me and I've had the great privilege of watching them grow into fine young ladies and men,” he said. “It's been just wonderful to see that.”

G.C Huston Public School Graduates:
Jack Bennett
Lee Bouch
Montana Boyter
Ritchie Carter
Madison David
Donovon Henry
Hailey Johnson
Tehya Johnson
AJ Joseph
Ira Kimewon
Jacque LaRiviere
Zach Leaver
Sloan Madill
Caleb Mason
Ethan Morley
Ryan Root
Clifton Roote
Mackenzie Roote
Abby Skinner
Zanne Stassen
Serena Trelford-Ladd
Damon Woodcox

Awards were granted as follows:
English Award - Zanne Stassen
French Award - Serena Trelford-Ladd
Aaron Roote Memorial Award - Hailey Johnson
GC Huston Math Award - Abby Skinner
Chamber of Commerce Merit Award - Ritchie Carter
Bruce Power Science and Technology Award - Jack Bennett
Trelford History Award - Ritchie Carter
Geography Award - Jacque LaRiviere
Knights of Columbus Athletic Achievement Award - Jacque LaRiviere
Chantry Island Chambettes Music Award - Zanne Stassen
Al Downs Art Award - Zach Leaver
Improved Student Award - Madison David
Sheila Hicks Memorial Award - Ira Kimewon
Giovanni Baragetti Memorial - Hailey Johnson and Ira Kimewon
Ross DeLong Service Award - Serena Trelford-Ladd
Leadership and School Spirit Award - Jacque LaRiviere
Lions Club Citizenship Award - AJ Joseph
Inspiring Possibilities - Serena Trelford-Ladd
Principal’s Award for Leadership - Jacque LaRiviere
Level 4 Award - Zanne Stassen
General Proficiency Award - Zanne Stassen and Jack Bennett
Valedictorian Award - Jack Bennett and Hailey Johnson

Graduate Zach Leaver stands with GC Huston Principal Dan Russell at the graduation ceremony. Zach received the Al Downs Art Award.

Sloan Madill (left) and Abby Skinner, who received the GC Huston Math Award, pose for a graduation photo.

GC Huston teacher Marilyn Root presented the Aaron Roote Memorial Award to Hailey Johnson.

Valedictorian, Jack Bennett received the Bruce Power Science and Technology award from teacher Enid Johnson.

GC Huston teacher Enid Johnson presented Ritchie Carter with the Chamber of Commerce Merit Award. Ritchie also picked up the History Award during the evening ceremony.

The English Award was presented to Zanne Stassen by teachers Shawna Williamson and Enid Johnson. Zanne also picked up the General Proficiency Award, the Level 4 Award, and the Chambettes Music Award.

Ira Kimewon received the Sheila Hicks Memorial Award from teacher Christine Saunders.

The Geography Award was presented by Ali Kelly (left) of The Propeller Club and teacher Sarah Matheson to Jacque LaRiviere. LaRiviere also received the Principal’s Award for Leadership, the Leadership and School Spirit Award, and the Knights of Columbus Athletic Award.