Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we get near to the end of the school year, grade 12 students are looking back on the years past in the school, as well as looking forward to the next phase of their life. Echo Dene School in Fort Liard will celebrate their graduation on Thursday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m. I have been invited to attend and I’m very proud to say that I’ll be attending. Unfortunately, this means that I will not be in the House tomorrow, so some of you Ministers will not get any questions from me. That may make you happy. Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to say that I know all these three gentlemen. Ross, Ethan, and Keith need to be congratulated for all their very hard work and commitment in completing their high school requirements. What is really amazing, they were able to achieve their success in a small community where there are few resources, such as a well-stocked library, and fewer teachers and students to study and share their learning together.
Mr. Speaker, I believe in spite of this limitation, I believe the Internet has given these students in remote communities a chance to be successful in their home communities where they have friends and family for support. I thank the Minister of Education for providing support in that area. However, Mr. Speaker, the Internet is not the only reason for their success. We have to thank all the teachers, including the three that are retiring, recognized yesterday, principals, support staff from the Deh Cho divisional education staff, and other school support staff who work just as hard to get these three their success. I need to recognize and thank the community, their coaches, friends, and family, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who were there to encourage them along the way. As well, it’s time for them to be very proud of their graduates.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate these three men on reaching this significant milestone in their life. There will be many more, I’m sure. Enjoy this moment; you’ve earned it. As you move onto your next adventure, whether it is more schooling, entering in the workforce, or travelling, this is just the beginning and I look forward to seeing their future accomplishments in whatever field it is in. I wish them all the best and look forward to being part of their celebrations tomorrow. Mahsi cho.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.
