Congratulations 2021 Graduates!

Congratulations 2021 Graduates!
Posted on 06/23/2021
Congratulations 2021 Graduates!

2021 Graduates.
The 2021 Graduating Class of St. Thomas Aquinas High School walked across the stage at the Whitecap Pavilion on the Kenora Harbourfront last night. To ensure COVID-19 safety protocols were observed and capacity limits under the Whitecap Pavilion were upheld, the class was divided into two groups and each class member was allowed to invite two people to attend one of two in-person graduation ceremonies.

It was year filled with much uncertainty for all students, but it wasValedictorian Amelia Illman also a year filled with hope, strength, faith, and resilience. In her valedictorian address, Amelia Illman spoke about coming out the other side of such uncertainty.

“What does resilience look like? It looks like me, and you, and each and every one of us graduating today. From trying to drive out of the wild and busy parking lot at the end of a school day, to persevering through each assignment, or test, in person, or on-line, to finding creative ways to stay in touch with each other, you have shown tremendous strength, determination, and tenacity in the face of great difficulty. Remind yourselves of all that you have accomplished and of your triumphs this year. Regardless of every challenge we faced, we adapted, we buckled down, and we did the work. And that fact alone, is what makes every graduate here today inspiring and what makes our class one of a kind.” She said.

"Trying to encompass all of those feeling into [my speech] was very difficult. Everybody has had their fair share of great difficulty. What everyone has done here is they've persevered all the way through to this day so I'm very proud of everyone and each graduate here," said Amelia. Amelia plans to attend university in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in law after she completes her undergrad.

Principal Nicole Kurtz expressed her admiration for the graduates. "They've had a whole year of uncertainty but have handled it like pros," she said “we wish our grads all the best on wherever their journey is taking them.”

The school will be releasing a graduation video later this week, which will allow for friends and family that were unable to attend the graduation ceremony to experience this milestone with loved ones.

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