Authors: Kimia Shaban and Maisha Adil Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016! Following an action-packed Turkey Bowl Thursday night, the week’s excitement was continued with a joyous celebration for the graduates.
The night began with stage band playing a prelude to the graduate’s entrance. O Canada was sung by Monica Ha, and everyone joined in, seeing as it was the last time they would sing the national anthem before having fully graduated. The Master of Ceremonies Mr. Leung gave his opening speech, and Chamber Choir sang “Good Riddance”, wishing the graduates a successful future. The program was very enjoyable and it will be memorable for all of the graduates. Many of the graduates shared their opinions on the night and memories from their high school journey with us. Snit, a member of the graduating class said “It’s so nice to see everybody. It makes me very happy to see them and I almost feel like I’m back in high school for the last time”. Another graduate, Leighton Ebert, who graduates with The Ontario Scholar and The International Baccalaureate Certificate and who was also involved in music said that it was like he “had done this four times before because [he] had performed at commencement every year for music!” Leighton said, “It was a good experience in high school for me to get involved and join clubs, music ensembles, and sports team and it was a great way for me to socialize! High School was awesome, but I’m so glad I’m done!” With regards to the high school experience, Emily Campbell noted that it “was great [and] although it was stressful, it really prepared [her] for university.” One of last year’s co-chiefs, Fogo Oriowo was very excited for commencement. “I went back to school two weeks ago, and it was so weird because Cameron had become my life. Cameron really made a much better person and I was able to meet so many wonderful people!” Andrew Johnstone, a grade 12 student involved in music told us, “It’s a lot of fun, we get to come every year and it’s always very exciting and usually the largest performance of the year. I always miss the graduates and it’s nice seeing them again”. We were also able to talk to some teachers about their thoughts about commencement. Mrs. Day stated that “it’s nice to see them as they do not come back in September”. Mr. Randall added, “It’s a special night and it’s nice to see them as a lot of them came”. Mr. Teed, the school principal later mentioned that “it goes well as its a family celebration between 300-400 graduates and most bring around 3-4 family members so it’s a big celebration”. This year’s commencement was truly exceptional and Cameron Heights wishes the graduates all the best in the future! They have greatly contributed to the school in their years here and will forever be Golden Gaels. |