by Sylene Argent
After four-years of challenges, growth, and adapting to changes, “It is time to bask in a little bit of glory,” Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) Trustee, Julia Burgess, said to Essex District High School’s (EDHS) graduating class during the 137th convocation.
The ceremony took place on the evening of Tuesday, June 27, inside the Essex Centre Sports Complex.
Whether students are opting to take a gap year, enter the workforce, start an apprenticeship, or head to college or university after graduation, “Enjoy this moment. We are so excited for your future,” Burgess continued, noting the students were faced with many challenges outside their studies, due to the pandemic, as they worked towards earning their high school diplomas. In some instances, the students had to pivot on a moment’s notice, while still keeping up with their school work.
“You are superstars and have had an experience like no other grads before,” she said.
Due to the efforts the students put into their school work, and the dedication of their teachers, parents, guardians, and members of their own personal support system, Burgess said she knows the
graduates are, “so well prepared for the next steps and are full of independence.”
She urged the students to use the skills they learned inside the walls of EDHS to, “Change the world to make it a better place to be.”
GECDSB Superintendent Mike Wilcox urged the students, as they move forward onto their desired paths with strength and determination, to look back at the time they spent at EDHS with fondness and happy memories.
Valedictorian Emma Jobin was honoured to be selected by her peers to speak on half of the class. The theme of her speech inspirited a serious, yet lighthearted conversation between EDHS and herself that mirrored a break-up, with herself and her classmates ready to move on.
“It is not you, it’s me,” she said. “All good things must come to an end.”
She spoke of being able to enjoy the grade nine retreat within the first few weeks at EDHS, which helped the students create a bond, and shared memories made at Water Fest. She also spoke about the difficulty of having to study from home during the pandemic, which prevented students from spending time together in-person.
“Grade 12 flew by,” she said, noting she was proud of her classmates. “We persevered through a global pandemic.”
With that, she said the graduating class had to make adjustments and learn to be self-motivated.
She gave special thanks to an array of teachers at EDHS for their support, in addition to her parents, and grandparents.
Principal Dave Scaddan wrapped up the ceremony in wishing each of the graduates all the happiness life can bring, the respect of others, and love of family and friends.
During the ceremony, the students were handed their diplomas, some having been acknowledged for achieving an 80-percent or higher average, making them an Ontario Scholar, Specialist High Skills Major certifications, scholarships or bursaries, or for having gone far beyond the 40-hours of community service required to graduate.
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