Riverview sends 15 grads to RRHS

Ken Johnston
Editor

Last Wednesday evening 15 graduates were honoured at Riverview School as they commenced their high school careers.
Master of Ceremonies and grade 8 teacher, Greg Wilson welcomed everyone to the third annual graduation noting that, “This was the most fun I ever had with the grade eights.”
Wilson said that everything he learned about life he learned from Noah’s Ark. That advice he passed onto the graduates saying, “Don’t miss the boat. We are all in the same boat. Plan ahead. Stay afloat. Stay fit. Don’t listen to critics. Build your future on high land. Travel in pairs. Speed is an advantage. The ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals. Have faith.”
Shantelle Davidson was selected to be class valedictorian. She gave an overview of the year’s highlights and how much fun it was being the big kids in the school and how it is a bit nerve wracking knowing they will be the little kids again next year.
Each of the graduates had to compose a digital slide show for the parents and friends gathered there. It was a big hit as photos of them as babies through to the present had people laughing in tears.
Then the principals, Terry Ogden and Jerry O’Leary made some comments. Ogden said that when he started at Riverview he wanted to be principal when the class of 2002 graduated. Unfortunately he retired, but when an accident prevented the new principal from taking over last fall, he stepped in and was acting principal until early in 2002. Then retired principal O’Leary took over.
Both commended the class on their sense of school and community pride and their enthusiastic spirit. O’Leary also complimented the community for being so supportive and involved in their school. “Hilary Clinton said, ‘It takes a whole village to raise a child.’”
Diplomas were then presented to each of the grads and then a special presentation was made to Greg Wilson by Rose Tetu. He was given a coach’s jacket and a tree for all his hard work and thoughtfulness throughout the school year and over the years past.