LOOKING BACK
‘It’s a time to give parents and families a pat on the back and say, “good job.”’
Graduation time for memories, especially of past events.
“This is the largest graduation class in Membertou’s history. It deserves to be recognized.” Germaine Gould, Mi’kmaw guidance counsellor, 1998
Taliaq, nitaptuk! Summer is finally here and I hope you’re enjoying it. After the ‘Junuary’ we just had, let’s remain optimistic that July doesn’t turn into ‘Julebruary.’
It’s a time for celebration and commemoration. It’s a time to look back on all the achievements of our students and youth. It’s a time to give parents and families a pat on the back and say, “good job.”
For myself, it’s a time of reflection.
Twenty years ago, I was one of the bright-eyed high school graduates. Memories flood back of walking across the Sydney Academy stage in 1998.
Then in 2008, my mother and I would graduate together from Mount Saint Vincent University, respectively with my Bachelors of Public Relations (BPR) and Ma with her Masters of Education (MEd).
Recently, I was asked by friends of the family to be their official photographer for Youth Chief Montana Marshall’s prom. It was my first prom gig ever and the families loved the photos.
It was an especially proud moment for myself, thinking back on my own prom and graduation exactly 20 years ago. I even graduated with one of the parents, Angie, who was celebrating her daughter McKenna’s graduation.
But let’s go back to 1998 for this story.
Membertou was still small then, much more so than now. Our population was maybe onehalf or one-third of what it is now.
In June 1998, our community produced its highest number of high school and post-secondary graduates to date. It was a landmark, and to this day I still see it as one.
Our numbers increased over the past two decades. Membertou excels with its grad numbers but the bar was set that year. The Class of ‘98 set the academic standards for our community’s potential.
That year, my mother Germaine was the Mi’kmaw guidance counsellor for Membertou’s high school students. We all loved her, and still do to this day.
As grad season approached, she noticed the number of potential grads and brought it to the attention of Membertou education and chief and council. She then proposed the idea of a graduate celebration banquet.
“This is the largest graduation class in Membertou’s history. It deserves to be recognized,” I can still remember her stating.
The proposal paid off. It was approved but required a lot of
hard work. This was when the education department and community stepped in. We were part of the start of a genuine, grass-roots community project.
I can remember us graduates preparing balloons in our high school and post-secondary colours; blue and white for SA, green for Holy Angels, red for Riverview, and green and orange for UCCB. Graduates decorated the venue, what is now the Membertou Boxing Club, our original convention centre.
The banquet dinner was all homemade and prepared by mom and some amazing ladies from the community. Sometimes when talking about it, mom recalls having to borrow potatoes from volunteers to finish meal preparations.
Weeks ago, Membertou hosted the 21st annual grad banquet for the 20th anniversary. We didn’t attend this year but admired the excitement of the social media buzz.
Now 20 years after graduating high school, and Membertou hosting its first grad banquet, I reflect on our community and graduates and all their successes.
As my high school mentor, Mr. John Barron wrote in my yearbook, I share with all the graduates of 2018 “bonne chance et bonne santé.” Go on
and do many great things with your lives, as they are only just beginning.
Also, a huge shout-out to my mama, Germaine Gould, for being the one behind Membertou’s grad banquet. In the future, it would be nice to have an award named after her.
N’multes, nitaptuk!
Adam Gould is Membertou’s Kji Paparazzi and a lifelong community member. It was 20 years since he graduated from Sydney Academy, and he wishes good health and good fortune to all members of the Class of 2018. He will also be available for prom photos in 2019 and anticipates a Croatia victory in tomorrow’s World Cup championship. Feel free to send email at adamegould@gmail.com