RRHS Class of 2007 begins adult life

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River High School Class of 2007 took a big step to adulthood last Wednesday when 23 students graduated.
After the graduates and school staff entered the RRHS Auditorium teacher Laura Mason opened the evening’s ceremonies by singing O Canada.
Principal Casey Slack then spoke to the grads and told them that character is as important as literacy and numeracy. “A solid character separates those from good that are great!”
Slack encouraged the students to learn what is not in books and to take advantage of opportunities not people. “Usually when you are most humbled you will stumble upon life’s greatest opportunities.”
Slack also told the class of 2007 that as they grow in their post-RRHS lives, they should take the time to drop their high school teachers a line telling them about what they are doing. “Us teachers are an eclectic bunch and love to hear about what our past students have done. By doing so you will demonstrate your character.”
Local RR Dist. School Board Trustee Ron McAlister then took the microphone to deliver his annual congratulatory message. He noted that four years previously he had challenged the gr. 8 graduating class at Riverview School to make a date with him four years later. “Thanks for not standing me up.”
A written letter of congrats. from School Council Chair Peggy Advent was read by RRHS Vice-principal Jim Chorney. She told them that anything is achievable with support and dedication towards a goal.
RR Councillor Marilyn McAlister also brought congratulations from the Town of Rainy River.
Many awards and scholarships/bursaries were then handed out (See list elsewhere in this paper).
Class Valedictorian Tristan Shumaker spoke of how some day one of his classmates may build a skyscraper or put Rainy River on the map. Shumaker noted that they are prepared for new challenges but could not have gotten to this point without their teachers.