A salute to success
New beginnings on the horizon for 16 graduates of École Évangéline
“Never give up, always be true to who you are and continue to work towards your dreams,” are the words shared by Yolande Murphy, the guest speaker at the 57th graduation ceremony held at École Évangéline on Sunday evening. “I graduated 22 years ago from this school and went to university in Moncton to study law. Then I came back to this region and have been working here ever since,” shared the former student. “I’ve always been a proud Islander and Acadian, and it was my vision to return. “I was fortunate enough to know what I wanted to do with my life. After university I found my calling, and I have been at Legal Aid for 10 years now. I really enjoy it.” Murphy acknowledged, “There’s no right or wrong path, just keep going and you will find your way.” Student council president Dominick Bernard was among the school’s 16 graduates. He credits his math teacher, Marcel Caissiey, who brought him out of his shell and sparked his career choice. “My favourite subject at school was math … and I will miss those classes, along with seeing friends every day and not having to worry about any dangers because it’s a close-knit community.” Bernard was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal for excellence. He will attend the University of Moncton next year for mechanical engineering. “I would like to transfer to the University of Ottawa down the line to continue my career path,” he added. Caissiey, math teacher at the school, offered a dose of sage advice for the graduates: “There’s going to be lots of hurdles to climb or even crawl over, but never give up because eventually you will make it to the top.” Evan Gallant, who won the ‘Bourse Harrison McCain Scholarship’ of $16,000 for further education, expressed a bittersweet feeling at leaving. “I know I will miss this closeknit environment with all the teachers, students, and just knowing everyone.” He was not alone with his thoughts. “We grew up with everyone, so we know everyone from head to toe,” said Melanie Arsenault, class valedictorian and president of Grade 12 committee. Arsenault noted her favourite teacher was Domique Morency, “She’s a cool teacher who was always there to help up with biology, physics, maths, French…She was easy to talk to, and I will miss her the most.” Decked out in blue and gold gowns, the graduates exhibited both confidence and anxious anticipation knowing that they were about to cross the finish line in front of an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends. Principal Paulette LeBlanc acknowledged she felt sad to say “goodbye” to the graduates because over the years they became “like family.” She ended with, “Do your best, sometimes you may have rough patches, change careers along the road, but keep working and persevering and it will all be okay. “I wish you all the luck. Be proud of your French heritage, keep speaking French and remember your roots at École Évangéline.”