CVR celebrates golden cohort

The familiar blue and white gowns were brought out of storage for the fiftieth time this past weekend at CVR as the regional high school, which opened its doors in 1967, graduated its golden cohort – the class of 2018. This year’s senior class of 109 students processed into a packed gymnasium filled with proud parents and family on Saturday afternoon as the final step as they prepare to say goodbye to CVR. Following an insightful prayer of invocation by Reverend Dr. James Christie, Principal Brigitte Barrette addressed not only the graduating class, but the faculty and staff who joined her in celebrating their achievements. She acknowledged her coworkers for their leadership and engagement before directing her compliments to the dedicated parents who filled the room. Turing to the stage, she reminded the Class of 2018 to believe anything is possible, to take life by storm, and most importantly to make their vision come alive. She then invited Rev. Dr. James Christie back to the podium to deliver a few remarks as a graduate of the first cohort from CVR. “A lot has changed in fifty years… but the Valley remains constant,” he said while suggesting this year of homecoming had been an extraordinarily moving one. “There is always a part of CVR that travels with us,” he suggested, before pointing out a few of the moments in history his journey from CVR has featured, including the establishment of the International Criminal Court and, he quipped, the recent marriage between a British prince and his princess. He concluded by reminding the students of the significance of faith, hope and love, and wished for all that these be a part of the equipment they take with them following their time at CVR. Valedictorian Annabelle Nadeau-Germann, in a speech laden with laughs and sage advice, invited the class of 2018 to reminisce about their earliest days in the building, to marvel at how much they have all changed and grown, and to look forward to the incredible future that awaits. Each graduate was then invited to cross the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma. Over $60,000 awarded Following the presentation of diplomas, the afternoon ceremony moved on to reward those exceptional students who excelled in their various courses with the presentation of medals and awards for achievement. This was followed by the awarding of the CVR Educational Foundation scholarships and bursaries. Since the creation of the Foundation in 1985, a total of $635,000 has been offered to graduates of CVR. For 2018, a sum of $60,000 was presented to deserving students. [caption id="attachment_49532" align="alignnone" width="485"] Sarah Bohemen was awarded the Lloyd H. Adamson Prize and CVR 50th Graduation Bursary for the student best exemplifying the Spirit of CVR. (Photo Sarah Rennie )[/caption] This year, the Eric Rumsby Memorial Scholarship for the student with the fourth highest overall academic standing was presented to Leslie Rogers. The Maureen Wahba Memorial Scholarship for the third highest overall standing was awarded to Alyssa Ykema. The J. David Aikman Memorial Scholarship and Birks Bronze Medal for the second highest overall achievement went to Claudie Robert. The Reverend John (Jack) C.T. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, Birks Silver Medal and Reeves Scholarship for the highest academic achievement of the graduating class was then presented to Annabelle Nadeau-Germann. The final award of the afternoon, the Lloyd H Adamson Prize and CVR 50th Graduation Bursary, for the student who best exemplifies the Spirit of CVR, was awarded to Sara Bohemen. Congratulations to the Class of 2018!