Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow afternoon, I will get the honour of attending the Thomas Simpson School graduation at the Papal site, weather permitting. If it is going to be bad weather, we are into the school. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the 17 graduates and graduands for reaching this major milestone in their lives and achieving a major goal in their lives. The uniqueness of the Thomas Simpson School graduation is that it has students from the smaller communities from the Nahendeh riding as part of this celebration. These students come from their small communities and spend three years of their lives away from their homes to achieve this goal. This year, we have two students from Nahanni Butte, Nathan and Josh, and one student from Wrigley, Rochelle. I know they had to face extra challenges by coming to Fort Simpson, but they succeeded. Part of their success is thanks to the couples that look after the residents to ensure the out-of-town student feel at home and have the support they need to graduate. I would like to thank them for making a difference in these young people’s lives. I know these students will look back on this with fond memories.
Mr. Speaker, like I said on June 8th, I have to thank all the teachers, including Ms. Nathalie Lavoie, who is retiring at the end of this school year, all the principals, support staff from the Deh Cho Divisional Education Council, and other school support staff who worked just as hard to get these 17 to this stage. As well, I need to recognize and thank the communities, people who volunteer their time to offer out-of-school activities, friends, and most importantly family who were there to encourage them along the way. As well, it’s time for them to be very proud of their graduates’ success. I’m proud to say that I know a majority of these young people. Their commitment and hard work has finally paid off, and tomorrow afternoon will certainly be one of the biggest moments in their lives. They have a lot more to achieve. Today, I want to pass this message on to these young people: I wish them the best in whatever future endeavours they choose. Please remember, education is a lifetime journey and it does not stop tomorrow. As a big supporter of youth and education, I look forward to seeing what they do next with their lives. To those of younger youth, like the Bompas kindergarten and grade six students who had their graduation ceremony last Friday, take a look at this year’s grads and realize, just like them, you have what it takes to succeed and you can be a grade 12 graduate, too, one day. Just keep working hard, keep taking the challenges head on, realize that mistakes are learning opportunity, and dream big. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate each and every graduate in the NWT, whether it is high school, college, or university, for the achievement they are celebrating this year. I applaud the parents, families, teachers, and communities for the support that they have shown their students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
