Hats off to TCS graduating class of 2023! 

By Brandie Majeau 

It is a bittersweet time in the lives of all students- the step that takes you from childhood into adulthood.  On June 10^th, eighteen students celebrated their graduation at Thorhild Central School.  As each current grade twelve student walked into the gymnasium for the convocation ceremony, they were introduced with self-described words and their plans for the future. Once seated, they were presented with a litany of advice and goodbyes. Thorhild County Reeve Joyce Pierce addressed the importance of education and encouraged them to carry their experiences, memories and friendships with them wherever they go.  Trustee April Bauer followed with comments on watching individual growth from kindergarten into adulthood and how wonderful it was to celebrate this occasion as a community, and to reflect on who they are. 

As the program continued, Superintendent Kim Carson offered her congratulations and encouraged them to just enjoy the moment because time often moves too quickly.  She also gave them the advice to chase dreams, accept challenges and strive for greatness.  Continuing the compliments and guidance was the principal, David Amoit.  He praised the graduating class for the hard work it took to make it to the finish line, despite challenges.  Amoit also talked about the importance of finding jobs that make you happy, never hesitating to ask for help, and above all, getting up when life knocks you down.  In a final farewell to the graduates, Lindsay Gross spoke a farewell from the entire staff.  She admitted that students teach them as they learn and offered an abundance of small pieces of advice to carry with them as they go: be your own old soul, spread your wings, and don’t take life too seriously. 

Considering the most serious nature of the speeches directed to the graduates, Valedictorian Ryne Semeniuk interjected the ceremony with his upbeat and humorous valedictorian address.  “We did it!  We are real, bona fide adults!”  He expressed his thanks to the teachers and parents but also thanked themselves for all their hard work, humbly bragging that they were all exceptional in their own ways.  Semeniuk offered his class an amazing piece of advice, encouraging them to tear into life and figure it out as they go.  In a final goodbye, he bid farewell to the memories and inside jokes that they had all shared.   

Your parents and staff have led you all this far, to the TCS graduating class of 2023, congratulations and all the best as you journey to new places and make your own place in this world.