BY S. ROHR

For the first time ever, Milton District held Commencement at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre (or Velodrome). The seats and stage were set up in the middle of the track with the MDHS logo showing on the screens to the left and right. After the processional to the Married Beau and O Canada, Milton District’s Vice Principal and Master of Ceremonies Mr. Graham gave the opening greetings and introduced Mr. Caughlin, who naturally gave a very pun filled welcome. Following Mr. Caughlin was school board trustee Mrs. Donya Danelli who gave the boards greetings.

This year’s commencement was held at the Pan Am Velodrome.

Following the greetings, the presentation of Awards and Scholarships began; there were 35 scholarships and award winners including Emily Wesseling who received the Halton District School Board Proficiency Award – George H. Dawson Shield which is awarded to the student with the highest average in six senior level credits and the Governor General’s Academic Medallion which is awarded to the student with the highest average through Grade 11 and 12. Congratulations!

Following the Awards the graduating music students gave a presentation of Saturday in the Park arranged by Sandun Thilaka Arachch. After this was the presentation of diplomas. There were 206 graduates; comprised of 83 Ontario Scholars, 16 students graduating with their Specialist High Skills Majors, 11 students graduation with their French Immersions certificates and 15 students graduating with their Core French certificates.

Finally, valedictorian Callum Fisher took the podium – with a stepping stool. He gave a hilarious speech poking fun at the fact that MD is an older school and how Commencement feels like a wedding and he is the best man giving away the groom: Milton District. He even went as far as to speculate that if Milton District is the groom, then Mr.Caughlin would be the bride. He said how MD will always be remembered by the students for “the old rustic halls or maybe just the old rustic teachers”. It was a very memorable speech.

75% of this year’s French Immersion graduates, with their teacher Mme. Paroyan.

To conclude the night, Rachel Luce had created a video collection of memories from the last four years that was a touching tribute to the graduating class. The graduates left the ceremony to School’s Out. Congratulations to all the graduates, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!