M’CHIGEENG—With almost 100 students in Manitoulin Secondary School’s graduating class, the ceremony ran smoothly and efficiently. This was a relief to parents and extended families fanning themselves with programs in the overheated gymnasium.
On stage for the graduation ceremony were Trustee Lisa Corbiere Addison, Vice Principal Rachel Goodfellow, Principal David Wiwchar and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief and First Nation Trustee Linda Debassige.
“It’s an honour to be with you here today,” Ms. Debassige said as she was first to address the graduating class. “I remember sitting here a couple of decades ago wondering what the future held. I didn’t know where I was going, what I was going to do. I just knew that I had so many friends and family and even teachers to help guide me along the way.” She reminded the students, “Always remember, graduates, that you are role models, and sometimes you can actually be role models for older people like me.”
Ms. Debassige concluded by saying, “I wish you all the best in your future journeys that may be comprised of ups and downs, but always remember that you’re not alone, so keep putting one step in front of the other. Miigwetch, and we’re all so very proud of you. Miigwetch.”
Trustee Lisa Corbiere Addison expressed her honour in bringing greetings from the Rainbow District School Board. “We Islanders are a special group of people. We come together tonight to surround these young graduates with love and respect. Whether you’re born here, or migrated here, we become one family, an Island family. Going to school here at MSS is so unique. Growing up in your smaller communities, initially competing against one another in elementary school events. Four years ago, you became part of MSS, a larger family, now on the same team.” Ms. Corbiere Addison advised the students, “Keep an open mind about things, it will help you grow as people and continue to care as you make your way in life. It helps make the world a better place.” In conclusion, she said, “When you make your mark in the world, don’t forget to give back, our future generations are counting on it. Thank you. Miigwetch.”
Principal Wiwchar welcomed all in attendance. He reminded the graduates to keep in touch with the school, let them know what area of study they would be pursuing—post secondary education or apprenticeships—and to come back in the winter for the awards night. “Come, enjoy the generosity of Island donors, who are always keen to support our graduates at a critical time financially for those going on to university, college or apprenticeship programs.”
Mr. Wiwchar touched upon all the successful events and competitions, the travels and athletic awards of the school, which included many members of the graduating class. “I encourage you to take the skills you’ve acquired here and continue on as lifelong learners, in your work, hobbies and recreation. Be participants, not only observers, of all the good things that can be enjoyed in life.”
“Graduates, to conclude, thank you for seizing the day, over and over this year while you were here,” Mr. Wiwchar added. “And making the most of the time we’ve shared with you. Thank you for persevering through the struggles while you were here…congratulations on your hard work, your years of growth here at MSS and take with you our best wishes for the future. It’s been a privilege to work with you. Thank you.”
Following Principal Wiwchar’s address to the graduates, all in attendance stood, while the M’Chigeeng Ladies Hand Drum Group sang the Manitou Mukwa – Medicine Bear song.
Before receiving their diplomas, Mike Zegil had some instructional words for the students. “You will be crossing this stage to receive an Ontario Secondary School diploma,” he said. “Graduates, please remember as you walk across this stage, to take a moment to look at the crowd and the community that is here to support you—your friends, your family, your loved ones. Take a moment to reflect and more importantly, take a moment to pause to allow your family to take as many pictures of you as possible. Enjoy your moment and be sure to smile for the camera.” And the presentation of diplomas began.
The Manitoulin Secondary School graduates for 2025 are as follows: Nyaeli Abotossaway, Landon Aelick, Katarina Anaya, Anhelina Arabadzhyi, Angelina Armstrong, Ethan Armstrong, Rhyis Arthurs, Rylen Azer, Carson Beauchamp, Destiney Bebonang, Sebastian Belanger, Ayden Bell, Corbin Best, Sadie Bridgeman, Chase Cada-Bayer, Cody Campbell, Daphne Carr, Orland Carter-O’Hearn, Divine Commanda, Andrew Cooper, Zachary Cooper, Jayden Corbiere, Neilah Corbiere-Williams, Isaac Corbiere, Aubri Cranney, Autumn Davy, Aspen Debassige, Ezra Diebolt, Cash Duchene-Milne, Christian Eadie, Ava Fields, Ashton Fogal, Willow Fogal, Jordan Goddard, Tanner Graham, Abraham Habte, Andrew Hague, Hailey Hawke, Abbie Heins, Noah Holmes, Ethan Horula, Gage Hughson, Kalli Jones, Malachi Joseph, Jack Koehler, Ryan Kuntsi, Eve Labelle-Oliver, Liam Lariviere, Trenton Lawrence, Alysha Lee, Cameron Leeson, Alston Lentir, Caleb Lockeyer, Ryder Lockyer, Hannah Lovelace, Mia Manitowabi-Armstrong, Xavier Mara, Connor McCarthy, Serene McCarthy, Ian McCauley, Madison McCormick, Trinity McCormick, Rylan McGauley, Tessa McGillis-Prior, Alexander McKee, Alyx McKinley, Alexis McVey, Cameron Meawasige, Tessa Merrylees, Amisk Migwans, Brianna Mishibinijima, Evan Moggy Buie, Ryann Moore, Johnny Nakoochee-Antoine, Caine Negannegijig, Avery Nodecker, Faer Connor O’Leary, Brandy Olivier, Zhanna Onishchenko, Kianna Paibomsai, Cetrion Panamick, Jaron Panamick, Kira-Ann Panamick, Harmony Panamick-Shawana, Benjamin Pangowish, Tessa Paul, Trinity Paul, Grace Pennie, Ryland Priddle, Brandy Ratcliff, Zayne Ranes, Austin Recollet, Keaton Roy, Katelyn Shank, Danika Skippen, Bradly Slaght, Anika Smith, Madison Smith, John Michael Taggart, Caleb Tasse, Andrew Theijsmeijer, Noah Thorpe, Zee Toulouse, Zoey Trudeau, Orry Waindubence, Julia Waindubence-Doucette, Davin Wassegijig, Matthew Wilkin, Jaxson Wilkinson, Shea Williamson, Thomas Willis, Alexandra Wilson-Zegil and Lexis Young.
Finally, diplomas received, photographs taken and introduction given, Alexandra Wilson-Zegil took to the stage to present her Valedictorian address. “We grew up,” she said to her fellow classmates. “For the most part.” She went on to express the difficulty of putting four years of schooling into a speech.
“For the past three years, I have told the story of Manitoulin Secondary School weekly in The Expositor. From track meets to talent shows, I have kept a record of it all. But beyond the dates and the word counts, there are actual people behind those events. There’s you. And how do you capture that all in one speech?
Well, when life gets confusing, I turn to the wisest voices I know, the philosophers of our childhood.
One of the greats, Winnie the Pooh, once said, ‘The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.’ That’s true for many of us.” Alexandra went on to quote from childhood stories and movies in relevant context to day-to-day life at MSS. “Another one of my favourite characters, Po from Kung Fu Panda, said that ‘The only thing that matters is what you choose to be now’.” She references this quote later in her speech when she says, “And while Po is right that what you choose to be now matters, that doesn’t mean you have to choose just one thing. In high school, maybe you chose sports, trivia, robotics, student council, academics, supporting your family, or even starting your own business. But as we move forward, it’s important to remember that you’re not just an athlete, an academic weapon, a friend, or a student – you can be all of that, and more. Don’t let old data stop you from drawing new conclusions now.”
Alex thanked the teachers, staff and administration, who went above and beyond for their students. She thanked parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, coaches and mentors for leaving no one behind. “You kept us grounded when life got messy and supported us through the rough patches.
“While the past four years may not have always been a fairy tale, there is something we can all take away from it… with the help of a few family-favourite movies. Frozen taught us to ‘let it go,’ let go of fears of not being liked, and embrace the parts of you that you thought you lost when you grew up. And as Fender tells us in Robots, ‘you’re only given a little spark of madness.’ So, use that spark, stay true to yourself and pursue the ideas that seem impossible. Lastly, As Buzz Lightyear would say, ‘aim for infinity and beyond,’ because your future has no limits. And with that, class of 2025, with faith, trust, and a little pixie dust, we just graduated! Thank you. Miigwetch.” And the crowd went wild and the caps flew.
The Island community of family, friends and neighbours stood proud with their MSS graduates, one big Island family.
by Margery Frisch
