While one memorable chapter closes, a new and exciting one begins.
Fifty-four students from St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School received their diplomas and were honoured in a graduation ceremony inside the school’s gymnasium on Wednesday, June 26.
Family and friends packed the Hammond school’s gymnasium, showing support for the graduating students as they said goodbye to their high school years.
Now, the next chapter in each of their stories begins, wherever it may take them.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to extend our congratulations to the class of 2024,” said Sue Wilson, the chair of the board of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, as she addressed the graduating students during last week’s ceremony. “We are extremely proud of each and everyone of you graduates. You have left your mark on this school.”
The graduating class named Alexandra Likhonosova as its valedictorian.
“Being a student at this school was honestly a fun experience,” said this year’s valedictorian. “I moved away from a place I called home and met people that to this day inspire me in each aspect. That includes teachers and students.”
Likhonosova said some of her fondest memories during her time at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Elementary School are the bonds, friendships she made.
“Some of my fondest memories would be band class, I met some amazing people,” she said. “Also, my Calculus and Vectors class. Very often when we finished our lesson, we had time to do homework, and we would talk about everything and anything as we worked. It’s amazing how we students bonded together while being from different friend groups.”
Likhonosova is heading to Carleton University to get her bachelor’s in commerce.
“Then hopefully get into law school after that,” she added, saying she also has plans to do some travelling.
Arthur Kitsyuk received the Governor General’s Award for the highest overall average throught their grade 11 and 12 classes. Joanna Kabemba received the Lieutenant Governor Community Volunteer Award, given to the student with the most community volunteer hours accumulated by the end of their four years of high school.
“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates,” said the school’s principal Andrew Lovett. “It’s an honour to stand here before you as the principal of this school. Graduates, today marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and dedication. Your strength, resilience, and unwavering support of those around you has brought you here.”
