In his final speech as Archie Stouffer Elementary School (ASES) principal, Mike Gervais told the graduating class of 2024-25 to dream big and put in the work as they prepare for high school.
It was a full house in the ASES gym June 20 as the community celebrated the school’s 64th graduating class. Forty-six students crossed the stage, marking the end of their elementary school journey, with 16 making the honour roll – achieving an 80 per cent average or higher in their Grade 8 year.
“It’s been a privilege watching this incredible group grow for the last six years. When you first walked through our doors, you were small, wide-eyed… you’re now taller, wiser and ready to take on high school,” Gervais said, who is taking over at Cardiff and Wilberforce elementaries.
Having been at ASES for six years, joining as vice principal in 2019 before moving up to the top job in 2022, Gervais said the school, and its students, have made a big impression on him.
There will be further change next year as Michelle Kernohan, the current vice principal, is also moving on. She has spent the past 15 years at ASES, teaching Grade 8 before becoming a VP in 2023. Lauren Alleway, who spent a year as VP at ASES in 2022-23, is rejoining as principal with Shannon Smith the new VP.
Gary Brohman, the County’s trustee with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB), was at the ceremony and thanked the parents in attendance for “sending us the best kids.”
Turning his attention to the graduates, Brohman encouraged them to pursue all that high school has to offer next fall.
“Get involved – arts, drama, music, sports, the list goes on. There’s no shortage of ways to connect with people, learn and have fun,” Brohman said.
Valedictorian Hudson Meyer said he and his classmates have learned a lot during their years at ASES.
“When some of us first came here, we couldn’t even tie our shoes. We’ve learned so much since then,” Meyer said. “Most of us have gone from age four to 14 at Archie Stouffer. That’s 10 years with most of the same people in the exact same building. Sadly, I can’t say I’ve been here for all those years, but I’ve been here long enough to say this is a great place, with many wonderful people.
“I believe we’ll all succeed in high school. The best is yet to come.”
