Riverview holds grade eight grad

Ken Johnston
Editor

Riverview Elementary School in Rainy River graduated 18 students from grade 8 last Tuesday evening.
Master of Ceremonies and gr. 8 teacher Mark Jodoin spoke about the changes the class experienced over the year. “At the beginning of the year I had the students write down some goals they wanted to accomplish over the course of the year.” Some said they wanted to be better organized, a better person, play more sports, etc. Jodoin noted that throughout the year the changes may not have been as easy to see, but reflecting from then to now it is clear the class of 2006 has made many improvements to themselves.
He complimented them on having a great sense of humour and said he will miss the stories they often exchanged. Other highlights for him was Cara Wittich’s 800m run, Rochelle Jensson’s success at the French Speech Contest, Luke Clifford playing high school soccer and Brady Jenson’s free throw competition win.
Valedictorian Deidre Wilson spoke to the class about learning. She said life is like singing lessons she took. She noted that when she started she could hardly sing a note. But through perseverance and facing her fears she worked through the bad times, even with a bit of humility to become a better person, or singer in this case.
Principal Kendal Olson told the kids to use their talents to make the world a better place. “It is not the size of the gift you give, but how you choose to use it. Take what you have learned and bless other people with it.”
Each of the grad’s received a diploma and Rochelle Jensson received the Ontario Principal’s Outstanding Leadership Award.