Ripley Grade 8 grads told to go into the world with confidence and pride in their accomplishments

The Ripley-Huron Community School Grade 8 graduating class has ended strong, broken the ribbon at the finish line, and is now on to a new chapter in life.

That's the word from valedictorian Carson Rutledge who spoke at the graduation ceremony Monday night at the school.

"Tonight, we can relax," he said. "We don't have any projects or essays due tomorrow."

He thanked the parents and families, as well as the principal, teachers and staff, for helping the grads face many challenges and adversity through the past 10 years of elementary school. "Now, we are ready for what comes next."

Carson reminded the graduates of their primary years when they were allowed in only half of the school but they ran around as if they owned the place. Then, the junior years, when they felt like the middle child. After that, came the Outdoor Education Centre trip in Grade 6, followed by lots of adventures in Grade 7, and finally Grade 8 - the senior year.

"We started at the bottom, and now we're here," he said. "What a great year. We were responsible as lunch monitors and for leading activities. Then, there was the grad trip, when our bus broke down and some people broke down. Ultimately, it was a great trip and a great way to end our year."

He said the 10 years at Ripley were amazing, and now it's time to leave. "We aren't all going to the same high school, and some will move away, but graduates of Ripley-Huron, remember your years here, and the great times we had. Lift your heads up high, and go into the world with confidence and pride in your accomplishments.

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Good luck to you all."

Grade 8 teacher Barb Grubb said it was a pleasure to teach this graduating class, and she outlined some of the things she learned from these students through the year.

Following the presentation of graduation diplomas, the following awards were presented:
 

• Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence – Becky Blanchard, Sarah Cassidy, Larissa Chalmers, Maddy Gallant, Jada Goodman, Magen Huehn, Kennydi Nicholson, Carson Rutledge, Ashley Uzzell and Ethan Vollmer
• William Turvill Scholastic Achievement award for top average in the graduating class – Carson Rutledge
• Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average -  Ashley Uzzell
• Valedictorian – Carson Rutledge
• Reid's Corners Women's Institute award for progress – Julia Rundle and Ethan Huber
• NEW - Janet Browne Music award, sponsored by the Purple Grove Women's Institute – Magen Huehn
• French award – Sarah Cassidy
• Albert Wylds History award – James Greenwood
• Albert Wylds Geography award – Kurtis Smeltzer
• Helen Henderson Science award – Carson Rutledge
• Bruce Power Technology award – Ethan Vollmer and Jami Thompson
• Art award – Justin Bates
• English award – Larissa Chalmers
• Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies Auxiliary language award – Tori Fry
• Grubb Memorial Math award – Ashley Uzzell and Carson Rutledge
• CUPE Local 1176 service award – Ethan Colling
• Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic award – Maddy Gallant and Carson Rutledge
• Steven Taylor Memorial award for a student who demonstrates consistent effort and has overcome significant learning challenges to perform to the best of his/her ability – Sarah Cassidy
• Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality award – Jada Goodman
• HuronTel leadership award – Kennydi Nicholson and Ethan Vollmer
• MacKenzie and McCreath School Spirit award – Maddy Gallant
• Raven award - "Best you Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership – Larissa Chalmers and Carson Rutledge
• Tara Chatham Memorial Athletic award for leadership, participation in sports and demonstrating fair play, team spirit and good sportsmanship – Larissa Chalmers
• Rose Lowry Memorial Fund award – Ashley Uzzell and Jami Thompson
• Kincardine Rotary Club Citizenship award – Kennydi Nicholson
• OSSTF District 7 award – Becky Blanchard
• Engineering Inspiration award - sponsored by the Kinetic Knights Robotics team (FRC Team 781) – Ethan Vollmer