Published June 12, 2024

Dollard-des-Ormeaux School celebrates graduation 

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

The 25 graduating students of Dollard- des-Ormeaux School in Shannon celebrated the end of their high school careers at a concise ceremony and reception at the school on June 6.

After the black-robed students marched in to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” principal Julie Carpentier congratulated the soon-to-be graduates on reaching this “exciting milestone” before yielding the floor to English teacher Paul Hudson, who spoke to students about the power of literature and its potential to help them grow as people.

“You’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories and grown in ways that you haven’t even realized yet,” he said. “You’ve learned about the courage to seek truth and stand against oppression in Night, the importance of individuality and innovation in Anthem, the impact of conflict in All Quiet on the Western Front and how 400-year-old themes can still ring true in our Shakespeare units.” Hudson said he hoped students would “remember to stand against oppression like Elie [Wiesel], cherish your own voice like Equality- 7-2521 and seek peace like Paul Bäumer.”

Central Québec School Board chairperson Stephen Burke, who will be stepping down after this fall’s school board elections after more than 35 years of involvement with the board, gave his yearly address to graduates.

“Some of you already know what your future will be and you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – your own life,” he said. “Others are still searching. … Whether it’s CEGEP, university, professional school, vocational training or the workforce, whichever path you choose, may it lead you to your own happiness.”

Salutatorian Amelia Béland gave a clear-eyed and sardonic address ending on a positive note. “Whatever you do, let it make you smile for no other reason than that you’re living.” Carpentier and colleague Nicholas Keats presented graduates with their diplomas, amid the shouts and cheers of parents, siblings and classmates.

Award presentations followed, including the Base Commander’s Cup, presented by Lt. Col. Enrico Pelle of CFB Valcartier; a new award in honour of recently deceased DDO teacher Terry Neville, presented by Neville’s brother Danny Neville, also a longtime DDO teacher, and the award’s founding donor, DDO alumnus Joseph McSween-Blanchard; and the Quebec Chronicle- Telegraph English Award.

Valedictorian Fifamin Minerva Houeto gave a rousing final address and presented the Book of Passage – a memory book containing messages from each cohort of DDO graduates to the next – to Secondary IV student Charlie Turcotte.

Carpentier then said the long-awaited words, “You may toss your caps!

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