“It’s an honour and a privilege – not a given – to graduate. It’s not just taking a walk, but it’s all about pride.
“And they deserve it!”
Those words last week from a principal that has guided and guarded, nurtured and nursed, — and ever so gently prodded.
But it’s the students who’ve done the work and earned the right to bask in the spotlight next week when St. Mary’s Outreach School hosts its first ever graduation.
Seven Grade 12 graduates – and four Grade 9 grads will celebrate very special accomplishments at the ceremony that was wholly created by the graduating class, says Principal Terry Lynn Cook.
“It’s really what the students wanted. They set the program, chose it all the way,” the principal said with no small measure of pride.
That included the decision to join the Grade 12 graduation with a ceremony for the four students who will celebrate their Grade 9 prom.
“The Grade 12 students believed the Grade 9 students deserved the recognition too.”
With their theme that reflects their lives -- ‘To follow the road less travelled’ the grads have clearly arrived.
The grad ceremonies will be a mixture of tradition and unique features, she added, in that they’ll have a valedictory address, but after there’ll be an open mic too, for any students to speak.
“They chose it all the way — the readings, everything. It was awesome.
The sense of ‘family’ runs deep at the school and Cook says that as the big day draws near, the school is virtually bubbling with enthusiasm and excitement.
Some of the grads have already been accepted at post-secondary institutions, the principal says. Thanks to the Outreach they’ll be able to follow their dreams of becoming power engineers, paramedics, hair stylists. But some will take a year’s break, a breather to enjoy their families before continuing on with education.
Determination personified
It’s undoubtedly been a huge load that’s demanded as much commitment for most, she admits, but the determination level didn’t waiver for students – even ones with children.
One student, she said, “was flown out to (an Edmonton hospital to) have her baby, but came back and wrote a departmental exam two days later.” Staff took turns attending to the newborn’s every need while his mother wrote her Grade 12 Social Studies departmental.
“And she passed!”
But it’s not just staff and students who are responsible for this good news story, Cook insists. “It’s amazing how the community has supported us.” Soon after the school set up shop, neighbours at the Legion Manor began dropping in, showing an interest in the students’ progress. And soon after, other seniors from Vanderwell Heritage Place began spending time with students, too.
“And businesses like Flowers by Rose” went out of their way to lend a hand and work with students on various projects.
All that support, she says, has played an integral role in the many successes at the school.
But mostly this success story is one of hard work and determination – and a Herculean drive that just won’t quit.
Powered by one very loving and very committed staff. And a principal who is always there for her students even though she’s quick to wave off applause.
“Like I tell them when they register, we’re going to care, whether you like it or not.
“We’re going to care when you’re hungry, we’re going to care when you’re out of home.
“Whether you like it or not, we’re going to care.”

Copyright © 2000 The Lakeside Leader. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster