Friends and family came from near and far to celebrate nine graduating students of Maaqtusiis School. Grad ceremonies were held June 25 at the school gym.
Emcee Alec Dick congratulated the graduates as they embark on new journeys and promised the community would always be there to support them.
Elder Dave Frank Sr. said a prayer before the graduates and their escorts were introduced and seated on the stage.
Principal Joe McHale also congratulated the graduates. “We need young Ahousaht people out there making their presence known and we‘d like for you to go out and get your education, and come back,” McHale told the graduates.
Individual awards and scholarships were awarded beginning with the Honour Stole which went to the graduate with the highest grade point average.
McHale said grade points were so close that they needed to wait until the day before graduation when one of the students received his grades for an online Spanish course.
Tristian Frank won the Honour Stole with the highest GPA calculated from grades 10 to 12. He accepted the award saying he was quite honoured and he thanked his parents, Dave and Ginger Frank, as well as the teaching staff of all the schools he’s ever attended.
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Award went to Cosmo Atleo-Louie. The Tofino Co-op Scholarship went to Richard Thomas. Thomas thanked his grandmother Greta Thomas for being there for him his entire life.
Several Passports to Education scholarships were awarded. The recipients were Collin Miller, Tristian Frank, Alicia Ann Seitcher and Alphonse Little.
Chief Councillor Greg Louie presented a scholarship in his name to the winner of the Honour Stole, Tristian Frank. “Education has given so much to me and this is just my little way of giving back,” Louie said.
Graduate Alicia Ann Seitcher received special recognition for earning her high school diploma despite her physical challenges. Alicia Ann is both hearing and vision impaired but with hard work and assistance from support workers, she was able to graduate and has become an artist. One of her designs graced the Maaqtusiis graduation program.
Diplomas were presented by the principal to Skylar Campbell, Swann Campbell, Tristian Frank, Cosmo Atleo-Louie, Alphonse Little, Rosalie Little, Collin Miller, Alicia Ann Seitcher and Richard Thomas.
In his Valedictorian speech Cosmo Atleo-Louie congratulated his fellow graduates and encouraged them to pursue post-secondary education, because, he said, education is the key to success.
He shared memories with his classmates before thanking the teachers for pushing them so hard to get them prepared for the outside world and university.
Principal McHale acknowledged Lil Webster who put a lot of effort into grad preparations yet never seeks the spot light. He thanked the school staff for their commitment to the kids. “We’re getting better at keeping the kids in school until graduation and we work on reaching out to those that have left – we want you to come back and graduate,” said McHale.
“You need a high school diploma; you deserve a high school diploma,” said McHale.
