Lac Seul welcomes families, friends to celebrate graduation in Whitefish Bay

Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer

It was a big day for the Grade 8 students of Lac Seul’s elementary schools on June 22, as 21 students from Waninitawingaang Memorial School (in Kejick Bay), Obishkokaang Elementary School (in Frenchman’s Head), and Morris Thomas Memorial Christian School (in Whitefish Bay) all celebrated their graduation at the community centre in Whitefish Bay. 
This was the first time the three schools involved were able to hold a joint, in-person graduation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with friends and families able to attend in person. Students worked collaboratively on speeches to address those that attended, which were read by a delegate from each of the graduating classes.
Obishkokaang Elementary School graduates wrote, in part, “The teachers throughout the years were fun, caring, and entertaining. I will miss this school, especially the many memoires of laughter and fun.” The students graduating from Morris Thomas Memorial Christian School commented “We are looking forward to our new adventure in high school. Learning new things and meeting new people.”
Speaking of the day’s festivities, Sylvia Davis, Education Director for Lac Seul First Nation, commented, “It was wonderful to celebrate graduation in person again.  My own children were not able to celebrate their accomplishments (one from college, the other high school) in 2020, so I am really happy that students and their families are able to celebrate in person again.  Milestones should be celebrated!  Congratulations to all graduates of 2022!”
Waninitawingaang Memorial School graduates were Tehya Parenteau, Mitchell Trout, Kobe Meekis, Julian Gray, and Joni Trout (absent), with Joni Trout receiving the Sioux Lookout Library Award and Mitchell Trout receiving the Native Language Award.
Obishkokaang Elementary School graduates were Keshawn Land, Darnell Quezance, Naomi Ogemah, Preston Jacob, Maheegan Littledeer, Byron Bois, Brayden Gray-Anderson, Alyssa Bergman, Laverne Gray, Halle Yerxa and Jori Kejick. 
Alyssa Bergman was presented the Sioux Lookout Library Award, while Jori Kejick received the award for Native Language.
Morris Thomas Memorial Christian School graduates were Nashira Kenny, Keirstan Moonias, Jerome Bill, Rokai Angeconeb, and Cassius Taillefer. 
The Sioux Lookout Library Award was presented to Keirstan Moonias, while the Native Language award was presented to Rokai Angeconeb.