A proud commencement night for the West Elgin Wildcats

During the ceremony, awards were presented for academic achievement, volunteerism and other accomplishments

The gymnasium was packed with proud teachers, parents, siblings and grandparents on Thursday, October 17, as West Elgin secondary school held its commencement ceremony for 2024.

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A large group of graduates proceeded across the gym stage to receive their diplomas. During the ceremony, a number of awards, which recognized academic achievements, good citizenship and volunteerism, among other accomplishments, were presented to deserving students.

Several students achieved honor standing, while others received a high skills major certificate for advanced or focused study in a department, such as agriculture, or technology.

Class valedictorian Jackson McCullough spoke about his cohort’s determination to succeed, particularly in the wake of the awful disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included online learning and segmented schedules as part of the return to “normalcy.”

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Salutatorian Derrick Collinson welcomed all to the wonderful ceremony, as did principal Mary Saunders and superintendent Paul Sydor.

Appreciation was shared for the hard-working staff who organized the beginning, and all who supported this class through their arduous time studying through the midst of the pandemic. French teacher Suzanne McCullough has been leading the team of staff organizers for these events for many years, and announced this would be her last. After hugging and taking a well-deserved selfie with valedictorian son Jackson and with all her children graduated, McCullough handed over the duties to another well-organized staff member.

A special thank you was also shared to the many local organizations and service clubs who donated the array of awards, checks and honors that were presented to the deserving students.

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