Back – Jacob Goj, Maria Kanellis, Jake McDonald, Alex Zettel, Chase Schnurr, Jasmine Brown, Max Mazzetti, Grade 7/8 teacher Henry Bink Front – Isabelle Stewart, Haylea Linkletter, and Autumn Jones.
Graduation for the Grade 8 students at St. Boniface School took place on Tuesday, June 27th, beginning with Mass at 6 p.m. Serving the Mass for the Intentions of the students was Father Ron Voisin.
The graduates sat as a class in the front pews of the church while families and friends sat in the remaining seats. The staff sat as a group as well, behind the graduates.
Kristen Busse welcomed the many families and friends to their special graduation Mass.
Maria Kanellis and Isabelle Stewart gave the readings, with Jasmine Brown giving the Responsorial Psalm.
The petitions were given by Jake McDonald, Erik Bitschy, Alex Zettel and Max Mazzetti.
Gift Bearers were Autumn Jones, Chase Schnurr and Haylea Linkletter.
While each person in the church was shaking hands with their neighbours during the “peace”, the students presented their mothers with a single white long-stemmed rose.
Closing remarks were given by Jacob Goj.
In the gym there were stars everywhere and on each table were black and gold and clear balloons also a mortar board that each of the graduates had signed. Each student was allowed 10 guests and at their table was a special laminated place mat with a collage of pictures of this particular student throughout their school days.
On the walls hung laminated silhouettes with positive remarks from their fellow classmates to them. The student’s art work was along all the walls – pop-can art, perspective, reflection and name art work that each student had made during the year. On the back wall were collages of all 12 students.
Pompom’s hung from the basketball nets and throughout the gym.
Each table had a black table cloth with a white overlap table cloth and gold napkins. Students could take home their special cake which had their name on it. There were also black and gold balloons with congratulations for the student to take home.
This year a picture booth was set up in the one corner of the gym for any students and friends. They could dress-up in accessories and have their picture taken.
Principal JoAnn Giesler welcomed the many parents and family to this very special occasion.
Maria Kanellis and Max Mazzetti gave the valedictorian address. They reminisced about their years spent at St. Boniface from Junior Kindergarten to the present.
The male athlete award was presented to Chase Schnurr while Jasmine Brown and Kristen Busse received the female athlete award.
The spirit award was presented to Isabelle Stewart, Autumn Jones was awarded the personal effort awards, and the personal achievement award was given to Haylea Linkletter. The personal effort and achievement award was presented to Jake McDonald.
The overall academic proficiency awards was presented to Maria Kanellis.
The Christian Living award (in memory of Mary Schulde) was presented to Max Mazzetti. Erik Bitschy received the citizenship award (in memory of Robin Williams), and Chase Schnurr received the Leadership Award.
The French Award was given to Kristen Busse. Four years ago the Waterloo Region Catholic School Foundation introduced an Award of Distinction and this was awarded to Maria Kanellis.
Alex Zettel was presented the History award by Maryhill Historical Society president Tom Schell.
The South Woolwich Optimist Club Youth Appreciation award was presented again to Jasmine Brown and Chase Schnurr who had received it previously at the June Optimist meeting in Bloomingdale at the Bloomingdale Recreation Centre.
The Rex Barger Residential Retreat Rexignition Award was presented to Jacob Goj. Rex gave his time, talent and enthusiasm and his heart to the Mount Mary Residential Retreat program for over 34 years. Rex retired from the retreat program a few years ago, but his influence and memory continues on. The award is called the “Rexignition Award” a play on words as Rex was so fond of doing.
Principal JoAnn Giesler and Grade 7 / 8 teacher Henry Bink presented the Grade 8 graduation certificates along with a compsite picture of the class all in a beautiful leather folder. School council paid for those gifts and also a CD of the slide show to each of the students.
A beautiful slide show took place, with pictures of the students from birth up to and including Grade 8.
A very special thank you to Patti Schopp, who for several years has made these CD’s and teacher Henry Bink for all his input.
The 2017 graduates were Erik Bitschy, Jasmine Brown, Kristen Busse, Jacob Goj, Maria Kanellis, Haylea Linkletter, Max Mazzetti, Jake McDonald, Chase Schnurr, Isabelle Stewart and Alex Zettel.
