During an intimate ceremony, June 27, 脡cole Desrochers bid farewell to its two graduating students Joseph Merilovich and Manuel Bolduc.
Bolduc is the first student in the school鈥檚 14-year history to have been enrolled in the school right from Kindergarten through Grade 12. While Merilovich started his academic career at the school he switched to Jasper Junior/Senior High School for a few years before making the decision to complete his studies at 脡cole Desrochers.
鈥淵ou two have paved the road for other students to complete their studies in French in Jasper and we couldn鈥檛 be happier,鈥� said 脡cole Desrochers principal H茅l猫ne Gendron. 鈥淵ou two have proved that dreams are achievable even if they seem impossible. Often we get discouraged by the obstacles that stand between us and our dreams, but you two have stayed focused and have worked hard.鈥�
During the ceremony, Coun. Vonna Arsenault reminded the two students just how much of an advantage being bilingual is.
鈥淭he opportunity you both have had to enjoy the French language and culture right here in your hometown is truly important. Your bilingualism will be an asset throughout your whole life,鈥� Arsenault said. Arsenault went on to wish the boys the best of luck in whatever adventures they may pursue in their future.
鈥淲hatever you do, remember to be true to yourself,鈥� Arsenault said.
After some more words of praise, it was time to take a little trip down memory lane. During his address to the crowd of friends and family, Jocelyn Nadeau, one of the school鈥檚 teachers, highlighted some of Merilovich鈥檚 and Bolduc鈥檚 academic and sporting achievements throughout their years at 脡cole Desrochers.
鈥淥ur students are everything to us. I鈥檝e seen them cry, laugh and fight so it鈥檚 very special to see them as they stand here today as grown men,鈥� Nadeau said. 鈥淚 know they will continue to make us proud.鈥�
After the summer, Bolduc said he hasn鈥檛 decided yet on what path he鈥檒l embark on while Merilovich plans to pursue an education degree at the University of British Columbia.
鈥淵our time here wasn鈥檛 just an academic experience but also a life experience. In the past 14 years you guys have grown and evolved so much,鈥� Gendron said. 鈥淎s you move forward do not forget your dreams and all the perseverance you gained here.
鈥淚n moments of doubt I want you to call upon your times here to help you get back on your chosen path.鈥� 聽
As the ceremony neared its closing hour, it was Merilovich and Bolduc who took to the podium. The two thanked their teachers and parents for all their support throughout the years.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
