July 6, 2017
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It was a bittersweet evening for Barb Grubb as she watched her last Grade 8 class graduate from Ripley-Huron Community School, Tuesday, June 27.
She and principal Graham Martin, who presented the Grade 8 graduation diplomas, are both leaving - she is retiring, and he will be principal at Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School in the fall.
"As we prepare to send you on to high school, we are pleased to say that you have accomplished a great deal," said Grubb. "You've learned the basics, but you've also learned to be responsible and respectful young people. You are all excellent ambassadors of our school.
"Our job is done. But we want you to keep learning, have a positive attitude, and be the people who help others celebrate successes and help them through the tough times.
"And just think, it took you 10 years to graduate from Ripley school; it took me 37 years!"
Valedictorian Abby MacDonald told the Class of 2017 that it's time to say goodbye to Ripley after a decade of learning, and move on to new adventures.
"It's wasn't always easy but together we made it," she said. "Remember that first day of school when were so excited and nervous, and we didn't want to leave our parents? We've come full circle, and in the fall, we enter a new school with new teachers and new students."
Abby outlined some highlights through those 10 years at Ripley-Huron Community School, noting the excitement of finally being a senior student in Grade 7, and then advancing to the Grade 8 class, with the grad trip to Toronto and then graduation.
"Now, it's time to go," she said. "Whatever you do and wherever you go, good luck in all your adventures."
Bluewater District School Board trustee Jan Johnstone congratulated the graduates and told them that they have the capacity to change the world.
"We can all make a positive difference in somebody else's life," she said. "Look what you've already done - you've been lunch-time monitors, you helped an injured classmate at Medieval Times. You young people, you're the ones who can change the world and make it a better place for everyone."
Once the Grade 8 graduation diplomas had been handed out, the following awards were presented:
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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