​Valedictorians take Ripley Grade 8 graduates on a trip down memory lane

Valedictorians Briar Pollock and Rhys Thompson took their fellow Grade 8 graduates on a trip down memory lane during the Ripley-Huron Community School graduation ceremony, held Wednesday night, at the school.

Through a tag-team approach, the pair gave a thoughtful review of the past 10 years from the moment they and their school-mates stepped off the bus and started Junior Kindergarten, up to that wonderful moment when they were in Grade 8 and the oldest kids in the school!

“Kindergarten seemed hard but, looking back, it was the easiest year yet,” said Briar.

“All of a sudden, it was our first day of Grade 1,” said Rhys. “We went from free time and outside play to math, science and learning how to read.”

Grade 3 brought Medieval Times and going to a Pioneer Museum; in Grade 4, they began learning to speak French, and had to give speeches; and by Grades 5 and 6, they were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, learning on-line one week and in-person, the next.

In Grade 7, they went to the Royal Winter Fair for the first time, enjoyed their first ski trip, and led the Longest Day of Play, and Jump Rope for Heart.

And finally, Grade 8, which featured the Career Fair in London, the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, and the Grad Trip to Toronto, including the Blue Jays game, the CN Tower, the Zoo and the Aquarium.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support from all our teachers,” said Rhys. “They have made us better people and taught us how to learn from our mistakes.

“And thanks to our parents for being by our side every day of this journey. From making our lunches to helping us navigate through on-line school, you have made such a big impact and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

“We have made so many memories and have been through a lot, but we wouldn’t have gotten here without each other,” said Briar. “We are so proud of everyone, and we can’t wait to make new memories in high school.”

“Have a good summer but remember, be good, like Mr. (Dave) Quinn!”

Awards were presented to the following students:
 

• Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence – Braelyn Adams-Smith, Graeme Ferguson, Evany Neitzel, Ella Goncalves, Tanya Mathur, Cade Crimmings, Katie Elphick, Briar Pollock, Ava Greco, Rhys Thompson and Callie Falconer
• William Turvill Scholastic Achievement Award for top average in the graduating class – Katie Elphick
• Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average – Cade Crimmings
• Valedictorian Award – Briar Pollock and Rhys Thompson
• Dr. Don W. MacDonald Memorial Award for leadership in agricultural and related projects in the community – Rhys Thompson
• English Award – Katie Elphick
• Janet Browne Music Award, sponsored by the Purple Grove Women's Institute – Braven Jolley
• French Award – Braelyn Adams-Smith
• Helen Henderson Science and Technology Award – Ava Greco
• Art Award – Tanya Mathur
• Dave Quinn History Award – Katie Elphick
• Dave Quinn Geography Award – Braelyn Adams-Smith
• Bruce Power Science and Technology Award – Briar Pollock
• Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies Auxiliary language Award – Jace Irwin
• Grubb Memorial Math Award – Cade Crimmings
• CUPE Local 1176 Service Award – Sofia Piel
• Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic Award – Evany Neitzel, Ella Goncalves and Rhys Thompson
• 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 – Ryden Burgess
• Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality Award – Jackson Lush
• HuronTel leadership Award – Evany Neitzel and Josiah Bray
• MacKenzie and McCreath School Spirit Award – Sofia Piel
• Raven Award - "Be the Best You Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership – Callie Falconer and Cayden Vander Hoek
• Rose Lowry Memorial Fund Award – Summer Gallina and Drayden Ariganello
• Engineering Inspiration Award - sponsored by the Kinetic Knights Robotics Team (FRC Team 781) – Graeme Ferguson
• Bruce County Beef Farmers Award – Colton Collins
• Larissa Chalmers Initiative Award – Hailey Brost
• Ontario Principal Council Award – Rhys Thompson

The evening ended with a dance and social time for the graduates.