From the left: Grade 12 class valedictorian Madyson Holmes is joined by school principal Cory Kronwald just prior to the commencement of the graduating ceremonies. Thompson Goddard Photo

NORTH STORMONT – Tues., June 27 was a busy day at Tagwi Secondary School (TSS) on the outskirts of Avonmore as both the Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduations were held. Parents and well-wishers of both graduating classes assembled in the school cafetorium and watched as diplomas and awards were presented.

In the early afternoon, just over 100 Grade 8 students graduated and prepared to begin their high school careers when school re-opens in September. Class valedictorians were Cody Sloan, Libbey Adams, Alexa Verslus and Luke McPhail. Several students received awards in recognition of achievements in addition to their diplomas.

In the evening, Grade 12 graduation exercises were held with 70 students graduating and preparing for their post-secondary opportunities. Several students received awards and bursaries in addition to their secondary school diplomas, with Pyper Waldroff receiving the Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Volunteer Award. Information in the TSS graduation booklet explains the award “is presented to a graduate in recognition of exemplary student involvement in the school and in the community.”

Valedictorian for the Grade 12 class was Madyson Holmes who received the Valedictorian Medal, which “is presented to the graduate who demonstrated academic proficiency while contributing to the life of the school and was Valedictorian for the graduating class of 2023,” according to information in the commencement booklet for TSS.

“Lorne Wheeler was the winner of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He had an overall average in Grade 12 of 99.2 per cent and four perfect scores of 100 per cent in four of his Grade 12 courses!” said Tagwi guidance counsellor Brandon Coleman in an email to The Record.