Future’s made with perseverance and a vision
TJ Gallant is hoping to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. Jaylynn Shields plans to head off to Universite de Moncton for a degree in sociology. Felix Delarosebil is considering taking a year off to work before heading off to university. Together, the three students are the Class of 2018 at the West Prince French school, École Pierre-Chiasson. Following a banquet with family and friends, the trio got suited up in their graduation gowns to receive their diplomas and awards on Tuesday. Shields, the class valedictorian, reflected on their school years together, how they started off Grade 1 in mobiles, while construction on their new school in Deblois wrapped up across the road. “We are leaving this school with a lot of gratitude,” she assured parents, staff and invited guests. “We are now starting a new part of our lives. We will keep in mind that a future is made with perseverance and a vision for what’s to come.” Prompted prior to the ceremony, the students recalled some highlights of their school days in Deblois. Delarosebil declared graduation to be his highlight. He also had the memorable opportunity of playing the Grinch during his school’s Christmas concert. Gallant said it was because he was attending École PierreChiasson that he joined and, therefore, got a chance to play Ultimate Frisbee at Jeux l’Acadie. Shields recalls a school play she performed in at the Mill River resort in Grade 3, and representing her school and province last year in a youth forum in Ottawa which was focused on French education. In her remarks during the graduation ceremony, Shields said during her years at the school she learned “the importance of speaking this beautiful language that our ancestors gave us.” She said the experience also gave her a feeling of belonging to a community.