Grads from three high schools

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The sounds from a traditional drum group filled the air as 36 Aboriginal students from three high schools in Fort McMurray and one from Janvier walked on to a stage to receive recognition for completing high school.

The Father Mercredi High School, the Composite High School, the Westwood High School and the Peter Ge, Janvier High School celebrated the Second Annual Traditional Celebration of Achievement held May 7.

The recognition dinner was held at the Father Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray, Alta. Many of the students recalled the hurdles, obstacles, and experiences they went through while striving to complete school. Most of the graduates came from hamlets or reserves. They had to learn to adapt to life in the city and a whole other way of life.

"A lot of these students had to leave their communities to attend high school in Fort McMurray. They had to leave parents and extended family behind," said principal George McGuigan. .

More than 300 hundred guests, family members and friends attended the ceremonies.

"We wanted to find a way to honor the Aboriginal students, so we as a board came up with this idea. So far it is working. This the highest number of Aboriginal students graduating," said McGuigan.

The mood at the ceremony was light and filled with excitement as each graduate received a plaque and made a speech. The room was charged with emotion as parents sat back and watched while the graduates formed a line on stage. All of the graduates thanked their parents and extended families for their accomplishments.

"When we have success amongst the Aboriginal people, we need to celebrate," said McGuigan. "While preparing for the celebration, we get the kids involved as much as we can. Many parents also helped out. They looked forward to the graduation," she said.

The drum group, Red River singers, Janvier's Metis dancers and local traditional Native dancers performed for the dinner celebration. Former student and graduate Chris Ladouceur was the emcee for the evening.

"Everyone should be proud of their accomplishments. Remember this is just the beginning," said Ladouceur.

Chief Archie Cyprien of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation also spoke to the students.

"As Aboriginal students who have to move away from home to attend school, you face challenges, challenges you wouldn't have to face in your communities, such as lonliness, no family support, dealing with things on your own. These efforts only make you stronger. Remember you not only make your parents proud for completing high school, you also make your community proud," he said.