Katelynn Thimpsen receives a valedictorian sash at the ceremony. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

educational achievement

‘Keep on dreaming’: Northlands celebrates largest ABE grad ever

May 29, 2019 | 4:32 PM

Marking a milestone in their lives and for Northlands College, 37 graduates from through Northern Saskatchewan received Adult 12 diplomas on Wednesday.

“What I hear, this is our largest graduating class to date,” Northlands interim CEO Shelley Young told attendees at the ceremony held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre. “That’s a good sign people are seeing success and are wanting more for themselves. I’m glad to see you all here.”

The vast majority of graduates come from the tri-communities with seven coming from Creighton and two from Buffalo Narrows. The ceremony included speeches from several representatives such as Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich, and Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette who presented the three valedictorians with their special sashes. Some of the graduates began the program as pre-adult 10 students, while others needed to pick up some credits missed in high school.

Adult Basic Education Manager Janelle Senga stated it was nice to see so many graduates because they had overcome so many different circumstances. She noted an adult 12 diploma is the equivalent of a Grade 12 diploma when applying for post-secondary programs.

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“The adult basic education program provides an opportunity for students who have left the traditional school system for whatever reason to complete their education and get an adult 12 standing,” Senga said.

A portion of the Northlands College Adult 12 class. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Graduates entered the ceremony with an escort. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Graduates from the tri-communities are Carl Ahenakew, Corrine Alphonse, Michael Apooch, Frances Julienne Balila, Amy Ballantyne, Anthony Ballantyne, Brittany Ballantyne, Candice Benoit, Mary Charles, Billy Joe Clarke, Kelly Cook, Deberah Durocher, Warren Finlayson, Cheryl Halkett, Jeremy Joseyounen, Maxine McKenzie, Rachel McKenzie, Darryl Preston, Jerry Ratt, Kesha Ratt, Aaron Roberts, Donna Roberts, Justina Roberts, Leon Roberts, Yollanda Roberts, Kelly Sanderson, Maggie Sanderson, Marvin Sayazie, Carlene Smith and Katelynn Thimpsen (valedictorian).

Graduates from Creighton are Dakota Ballantyne, Kiera Collins, Howard Custer, Tasha McDermott, Jenilee Morin McCallum and Suzanne Pringle (valedictorian). Graduates from Buffalo Narrows are Jessica Lemaigre (valedictorian) and Roddie Piche.

In her valedictorian address, Thimpsen expressed gratitude to all the teachers for making their experience at Northlands College positive and challenging. She told fellow graduates they can achieve any goal, provided they set their mind to it.

“A big thank you to our family and friends who helped us make it to this milestone in our lives,” Thimpsen said. “Keep on dreaming, keep on succeeding and keep on picking yourself up when you have setbacks.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno