Pelican Falls honours, celebrates 2019 graduates
Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer
Pelican Falls First Nations High School (PFFNHS) honoured, and celebrated, their 2019 graduating class on May 14. This year’s graduating class saw 29 students receive diplomas.
During the graduation ceremony, students heard speeches from surrounding area leadership including Lac Seul First Nation Chief Derek Maud and Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance.
The Valedictory Address was written and presented by Cornell Meekis.
During closing remarks at the graduation ceremony, PFFNHS Principal Soloman Kakagamic shared that this year has been one of the school’s most successful years academically.
“Last semester, we had 98 per cent credit accumulation. I just did the stats this morning and, this semester, we had 98 per cent credit accumulation again. Not only that, for the first time we had 52 kids on honour roll this semester,” said Kakagamic.
“This has been a real successful year, and I’m looking forward to next year. Next year will also bring a change. Due to the success of our applied program, we’re going to be introducing academic stream next year. We’re going to take the next step,” he added.
“It’s amazing, and they travel a lot. To achieve that, with their busy lives as students, it’s quite amazing,” shared PFFNHS senior English teacher Sylvia Davis.
The Pelican Falls First Nations High School class of 2019 were: Eleanor Suzannah Haley Beardy (Bearskin Lake), Micah Anthony Beardy (Muskrat Dam), Darius Riel Beardy-Kanakakessic (Weagamow), Faith Charity Bilkowski-Meekis (Deer Lake), Melody Eliza Chikane (Weagamow), Brandon Hosea Childforever (Wunnumin), Daisy Amber Rainbow Kakegamic (Sandy Lake), Kristin Cassandra Blossom Kakekagumick (North Spirit Lake), Shinae Quinan Kaminawaish (Mishkeegogamang), Tamara Lindsay Kaminawaish (Mishkeegogamang), Anawdon Gabrielle Karen Keeash (Weagamow), Angelia Lyne Kwandibens (Mishkeegogamang), Flora Jade Kwandibens (Mishkeegogamang), Keenan Tyrell Brolin Kwandibens (Mishkeegogamang), Leneya Bluejewel Mason (Keewaywin), Charity Marcella McKay (Sachigo), Wahjahkoos Katie Marlena McKay (Fort Severn), Benjamin Donovan Trent Meekis (Deer Lake), Cornell Power Tycon Meekis (Keewaywin), Draven Meekis (Sandy Lake), Ennis Jordan Meekis (Deer Lake), Jared Cole Maximus Meekis (Deer Lake), Marie Cecily Meekis (Deer Lake), Kishiah Rochelle Oombash (Cat Lake), Checotah Kaminawaish Powless (Mishkeegogamang), Malachi George Leo Rae (Deer Lake), Paula Tanoshia Christianna Rae (Deer Lake), Penelope Renee Victoria Roundhead (Weagamow), and Brayden Jace Wabason (Slate Falls).
