Graduates urged to pursue new challenges but treasure their memories of Ripley-Huron Community School

By: Liz Dadson June 28, 2026 351

Graduates urged to pursue new challenges but treasure their memories of Ripley-Huron Community School

The gymnasium at Ripley-Huron Community School was lit up like Hollywood's red carpet, as the 34 Grade 8 graduates gathered with their families, teachers and staff, and members of the community, for the graduation ceremony, Wednesday night.

Principal Rochelle Fraizinger welcomed everyone and the diplomas were presented.

Jan Johnstone, local trustee on the Bluewater District School Board, brought greetings, and congratulated the graduates.

“Today marks an ending and a beginning, as you prepare to enter secondary school,” she said. “You’ve found your voice and you can now use it to shape your future and your community. Never forget where you came from. Ripley-Huron Community School will always be a part of your story.”

Awards were presented, followed by the valedictorians’ address by Kelsey Thompson and Braedy Collins.

In a tag-team approach, they thanked their classmates, teachers and families for being there for them along the way, and then recounted the ups and downs, fun and laughter, challenges and shenanigans that the graduates endured and enjoyed over the past 10 years.

"Think of all the memories you've shared with the kids around you," said Kelsey. "Never take those heartfelt moments for granted."

"Those moments may feel unimportant at the time, but they may be the memories we cherish for a lifetime," said Braedy.

The students made it through Kindergarten to Grade 2 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and they students switched to on-line learning. Finally, in Grade 3, they were back in school and learning alongside their classmates.

Grade 5 brought a trip to the McLarty Education Centre, and Grade 6 brought a great field trip to the Outdoor Education Centre. In Grade 7, they travelled to the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal Winter Fair, and Camp Celtic.

Finally, they reached Grade 8 and were the leaders of the school. That year featured the incredible grad trip to Toronto. They went to Canada's Wonderland, the Distillery District for a ghost tour, Ripley's Aquarium, the St. Lawrence Market, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Legislative buildings.

"As we look back at this year, we certainly wouldn't have made it without the substitute teacher we always had, Mr. Quinn," said Kelsey. "From his past life stories, his help throughout Mrs. Elliott's dreadful tests, and the chocolate he was willing to share, we will forever be grateful to have had you as a teacher."

"Though the most important thing he taught us was that hockey is important and enough is spelled 'E.N.U.F.' - enough," said Braedy.

"We all came here as kids who barely knew each other, and now we're leaving as young adults shaped by the memories, laughter and moments we've created - together," said Kelsey.

"Although it's time, we begin to take our separate ways and choose our different paths or schools as we start to grow more as people," said Braedy. "Just continue to push yourself to be the best you can be."

"As we make our way to high school, we will create new memories, meet new people and face new challenges, but no matter how far life takes us, never forget where we came from or the memories within this school," said Kelsey.

"As one day, you'll wish you could go back, because these halls will only exist in your memories," said Braedy. "And you will never know the true importance of a moment until it becomes a memory."

"Today, it may seem as if our story has come to an end, although life ahead is just getting started and many new challenges are bound to face us," said Braedy.

"So, now is the moment we leave behind the books that have guided us this far and begin writing the next chapters of our own story - chapters that only we can tell," said Kelsey.

Awards were presented to the following students:

Scholastic Medallion for academic excellence – Brynn Arnold, Nathan Brost, Braedy Collins, Cheyenne Collins, Abby Goncalves, Kelsey Thompson, Grace VanHardeveld, Hailey VanHardeveld, Ben Wright-Koskamp, Asher Yungblut
William Turvill Scholastic Achievement Award for top average in the graduating class – Cheyenne Collins
Sub-Lieutenant John A. MacLeod Memorial prize for second highest average – Hailey VanHardeveld
Dr. Don W. MacDonald Memorial Award for leadership in agricultural and related projects in the community – Cassie Bridge
English Award – Cheyenne Collins
Janet Browne Music Award, sponsored by the Purple Grove Women's Institute – Owen Miltenburg
French Award – Cheyenne Collins
Helen Henderson Science and Technology Award – Ben Wright-Koskamp
Art Award – Hailey and Grace VanHardeveld
Dave Quinn History Award – Asher Yungblut
Dave Quinn Geography Award – Nathan Brost
Bruce Power Science and Technology Award – Braedy Collins
Ripley-Huron Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary Language Award – Cierra Collins
Grubb Memorial Math Award – Abby Goncalves
CUPE Local 1176 Service Award – Peyton Armstrong
Ripley and District Lions Club Athletic Award – Abby Goncalves and Braedy Collins
Steven Taylor Memorial Award for a student who demonstrates consistent effort and has overcome significant learning challenges to perform to the best of his/her ability – Borden Hubbard
Joe Fitzgerald Congeniality Award – Allyson Haldenby
HuronTel leadership Award – Nathan Brost and Brynn Arnold
MacKenzie and McCreath School Spirit Award – Braedy Collins
Raven Award - "Be the Best You Can Be" - for positive attitude, good citizenship, academic achievement and leadership – Will Murphy and Maria Morais
Rose Lowry Memorial Fund Award – Hannah Funston and Blake Zettler
Engineering Inspiration Award - sponsored by the Kinetic Knights Robotics Team (FRC Team 781) – Kelsey Thompson
Drama Award - Ben Wright-Koskamp
Bruce County Beef Farmers Award – Cierra Collins
Larissa Chalmers Initiative Award – Ronan Brandon
Ontario Principal Council Award – Kelsey Thompson
Valedictorian Award – Kelsey Thompson and Braedy Collins