KiHS celebrates largest graduating class yet

Tim Brody - Editor

In 2017, KiHS celebrated 17 graduates. Last year they celebrated 25 graduates. This year Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS), a department of Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE) celebrated its largest graduating class yet, with 34 learners receiving their high school diploma on May 22.
The graduation ceremony took place via video conference with graduates joining in from their communities.
Moses Kakekaspan of KOBE told graduates that learning is a lifelong process, “This is not the end; this is only the beginning. You make us proud! Congratulations.” He encouraged graduates to seek out further education.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa also congratulated graduates stating, “It’s a unique opportunity for our community members to celebrate reaching a goal of getting your high school diploma.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox said he was extremely proud to hear KiHS had graduated its largest class ever.
 “As you move forward, find what drives your passion, find what lights that fire in your belly, when you find something you’re passionate about, you don’t work a day in your life,” he said.
Kenora MP Bob Nault told graduates, “I know there are great things in store for each and every one of you.”
Valedictorians were Waylon Harper from Keewaywin and Joyce Constant from Mattagami First Nation.
Awards were also presented as part of the graduation ceremony.
The 2019 Rotary Club of Stratford KiHS Scholarship was presented to Megan Owen (Poplar Hill). She is attending Sault College in the fall. The Robyn Rose Harper Memorial Award was presented to Waylon Harper (Keewaywin). The Aaron Hardy Memorial Award was also presented to Waylon Harper as well as Jenna Williamson (Fort William).
The 2019 KiHS graduating class included: Joseph Meekis (Bearskin), Jolene Gray (Fort Severn), Frank Lachinette (Fort Severn), Jeremiah Jack Mathews (Fort Severn), Herman Miles (Fort Severn), Owen Miles (Fort Severn), Jackie Stoney (Fort Severn), Joanna Stoney (Fort Severn), Jenna Williamson (Fort William),
Waylon Harper (Keewaywin), Twila Kakekagumick (Keewaywin), Anthony Thompson (Keewaywin), Miranda Ahenakew (Mattagami), Joyce Constant (Mattagami), Kiara Constant (Mattagami), Corey George (Mattagami), Cheryl McKay (Mattagami), Laurie McKenzie (Mattagami), Sylvia Neshinapaise (Nibinamik),
Bertha Oskineegish (Nibinamik), Buffalo Kakegamick (North Spirit Lake), Cherish Oombash (North Spirit Lake), Sheryl Lawson (McDowell Lake), Jordan Leblanc (McDowell Lake), Christy Skunk (Mishkeegogamang), Megan Owen (Poplar Hill), James Benson (Weagamow), Felicia Miles (Weagamow),
Nigel Sakakeep (Weagamow), Robert Jacob (Webequie), Terilyn Troutlake (Webequie), Ethan Jacob (Webequie), Tyler Shewaybick (Webequie), Dwight Shewaybick (Webequie), Linda Asamoah (Independent), Nikita Thompson-Kasper (Independent) and Justin Ruller (Independent).