135 Chateauguay Valley Regional High School students walked across the stage on Saturday, June 18th to collect their diplomas, glowing in their white graduation robes.
The high school, which currently has 642 students, recently celebrated their success rate (along with the other English boards and their Commissioners), as compared to French boards by the Minister of Education. “English speaking communities are now minorities in Quebec, and I truly believe that they need to be celebrated more,” said CVR principal Brigitte Barrette in response to this recognition.
The day was a celebratory one. Elizabeth Seguin was named valedictorian, and addressed the audience with a heart-warming yet humorous speech. She said, “Another thing I am sure of is that we wouldn’t be sitting here today without our teachers and parents who have supported us along the way, as well as the entire CVR staff and coaches for encouraging us too. Although we may not say it often, we truly are thankful for the time and effort you put into our education…While we probably won’t ever need to graph a polynomial function or calculate the acidity constant of a solution at equilibrium ever again, we’ve nonetheless learnt some key lessons in your classrooms, which will stay with us long after the concept’s taught.” The volleyball and track and field athlete received the Vernon A. Pope Memorial Bursary, the Reverend John C.T. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, the Birks Silver Medal and the Reeves Scholarship. She also received prizes for achievement in subject areas including Outstanding Achievement in History and Citizenship, Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary World, Distinction in Dance, Outstanding Achievement in Advanced Math, as well as the highest achievement in Senior Science.
This graduation year marks the 31st Anniversary of the CVR Education Foundation. Since its inception, it has contributed over $522,500 to qualifying students in the form of scholarships, bursaries, awards and prizes to aid in the pursuit of their post-secondary studies. The contributions range from $250 to $10,000, which goes to ensure that various students are recognized within the school. This year saw the donation of $53,275 in prizes to students. The selection of the students who received scholarships is based on an average of the grades received within compulsory courses set forth by the Ministry of Education.
In 2016, the main winners included:
Vincent Larivière, who received the Randachio Family Memorial Scholarship; Kelly Dagenais, Alexann D’Avignon and Sadrine Robert, who received the Ness Bursaries; Taylor Faille, who was awarded the Lloyd H. Adamson Trophy as well as the Tony Evans Bursary for Academic and Athletic Excellence; Eric Brooks and Francis Lacroix, who received the Finlayson Scholarships; Jasmine Renaud, who was awarded the Brian Miller Memorial Scholarship; Kara L’Ecuyer, who received the Dr. Kevin P Brissette Memorial Bursary; and Kimberly Dumas, Emma Hooker and Aynslie McIntyre, who were awarded the Dr. Wilfred and Jean Watson Memorial Bursaries. 22 Students were considered CUM LAUDE students, a standing granted to students who achieved an 80% average for both the grade 10 and 11 school years. They included Eric Brooks, Kelly Dagenais, Alexann D’Avignon, Olivia de WitHuissteden, Taylor Faille, Avery Hill, Emma Hooker, Lilianne Krafft, Catherine Lapointe, Vincent Lariviere, Chloe Laurendeau, Kara L’Ecuyer, Joseph Loiselle, Aynslie McIntyre, Mounceph Morssaoui, Jasmine Renaud, Sandrine Robert, Heidi Roussin, Elizabeth Seguin, Rosemary Tarquinio, Valerie Tsimonidis-Gougeon.
During the ceremony, Barrette also addressed the graduates. “As you end your journey at CVR and embrace an even greater adventure, continue your ascension and believe in yourself…get involved, continue learning and become a leader of change. Most importantly, remember your roots, as the gift of your past creates a vision for your future. Be a positive role model and give back to the community that supported and contributed to your ascension. » In her address, the principal offered a special note of recognition to the following groups for their contribution and passion toward students’ success and well being, with « Our many generous community partners, including our MNA Mr. Stéphane Billette, who takes the time to get to know and support us. The CVR Education Foundation and Grad committee for their contribution to this event, our Governing Board and PAG for their ongoing support, the CVR Student Leadership and Coalition groups, the Students’ Caisse, as well as the New Frontiers school board and the Council of Commissioners who support and contribute to our development and vision and very importantly you, the parents. Your guidance and commitment to student achievement and your valuable involvement in school life contribute greatly to student success. Thank you for your active involvement in the development of our youth.”
The principal also acknowledged the staff, thanking them for their dedication and contribution to the students, especially through the difficult year of negotiations in the public system. « Our CVR staff is recognized for their unrivalled professionalism, their exemplary guidance and for being strong positive role models for our youth. Dear Faculty members, on behalf of our community and our students, and with utmost respect and sincere admiration, please accept these words of thanks in recognition of your dedication and true Spartan Spirit displayed during this past school year. Thank you for taking to heart our students’ needs and for your outstanding work ethic.”
Congratulations to the class of 2016!
