Columbia International College

For many, graduation day holds a special place in their heart. The same is true of Columbia’s Junior High School students, who on June 22 marked the closing of a chapter in their academic lives. The Student Café played host to parents, staff and the Graduating Class of 2010, who were beaming with pride throughout the Graduation Ceremony.

A Colourful Celebration

The Café’s vibrant décor set the scene for an auspicious celebration of student success. Lining the walls were colourful displays of student work for subjects ranging from Science to English. Taglines that read Say No to Alcohol, Traditional Pizza and Walk for Water were just some of the dozens splashed across students’ creations.

The Graduation Ceremony kicked off with a harmonic rendition of O Canada performed by Mr. Lawlis’ vocal class. This was followed by moving remarks from the podium

Inspiring Words

Students received uplifting words from the High School Principal, Mr. Ron Rambarran. In an inspirational address, he spoke to each student and highlighted their individual strengths while encouraging them to continue striving for success both personally and academically.

In a moving Vote of Thanks, Tatiana Pustovetova thanked Columbia staff for moulding her into a responsible young woman. As she reminisced about her time at Columbia, she noted that the Junior Middle School Program had drastically changed her and she looked forward to entering High School. In addition, Pustovetova addressed her fellow graduates and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence.

Teachers and residence staff also offered words of encouragement and said they were proud of the graduates’ achievements and were happy to see how much they had matured during their time at Columbia.

Recognizing Achievement, Celebrating Success

Several graduating students received two or more rewards at the ceremony:

• Tatiana Pustovetova
  Top Subject Prize for Grade 8 English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Computers and Drama; Certificate of Star Accumulation
• Darya Fedosyeyeva
  Top Subject Prize for Art, English, Physical Education, History, French; Certificate of Admirable Achievement
• Vera Belinskaya
  Top Subject Prize for Music; Top Club Prize for Dramatic Arts and Athletics; Certificate of Cooperation and Effort
• Brandon DeLa Garza Breton
  Top Club Prize for Science Discovery and Dramatic Arts; Certificate of Cooperation and Effort
• Michael Ashong
  Certificate of Star Accumulation and Certificate of Accomplishment

Other Junior Middle School students also received recognition at the Graduation. Grade 7 student, Guo, Shen Chen drew loud applause when he was awarded a staggering 10 Top Subject Prizes and five certificates for his outstanding academic achievements and extracurricular endeavours respectively.

At Columbia, developing character is an integral part of the education students receive. The Graduation Ceremony showcased student growth and achievement and the entire Graduating Class had a chance to look back at their lived at Columbia’s Junior Middle School and realize how far they have come.