A milestone 24 graduate from RRHS

Ken Johnston

The class of 2006 began their adult lives last Wednesday when commencement ceremonies were held at Rainy River High School.
The 24 graduates marched in to the gymnasium there while the crowd of about 400 people watched. While a happy and momentous occasion for them, a tragedy overshadowed the week.
RRHS principal Bob McGreevy welcomed everyone but opened by expressing condolences to the families of Caine Comegan, 16, who attended RRHS, and Randy Mandamin, 20, who were both killed in a boating accident the Thursday before.
McGreevy then spoke to the grads about the anxiety they may face now having to fend for themselves. Having to cook or do laundry can be stressful when you have to take over those duties after leaving home as can other things one’s parents have done for them up until this point in their lives. “However, you are blessed with the gift of youth which helps give you courage to take on new things.” McGreevy said he is confident that the class of 2006 is ready to take on those challenges and more. “You are prepared for success. Take time to evaluate your strengths and make a plan. If you go through life without a plan all you get is older.”
In closing, McGreevy, who retired at the end of the school year, thanked everyone for their support over the years.”
School Board Chair Ron McAlister reflected to the grads how he envies the world they are facing today. “When I graduated in 1950 radio was king, t.v. was in its infancy...astronauts were science fiction. Today the pace of technology is ever accelerating. You will see many feats in your life.” He also noted that the key to succeeding in today’s world is a solid education. “Today it is less of an option and more of an absolute necessity. Persevere, learn all you can and your life will be richer for it.”
School Council Chair Peggy Advent offered the words of Les Brown to the grads, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t succeed you will land in the stars.”
Mayor Glen Armstrong encouraged the grads to remember their roots and perhaps one day bring an idea back home to help Rainy River regain a footing for a solid future.
The valedictory address was delivered by Chad Armstrong who compared school to getting a tattoo. “Choosing courses is like choosing a tattoo. You ask your parents advice and then don’t listen.”

Once a person gets a tattoo they are constantly scratching at it. Armstrong compared the teachers providing a steady work load as that scratching and them constantly needling their brains like the process of getting a tattoo.
“One can’t help look forward to the end. We welcome the finished tattoo. Now is time for us to show off our finished product (schooling/tattoo)! Fellow grads, show off your tattoos and don’t have any regrets. Congratulations to you all!”