By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Families, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate the J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary School class of 2026 last Tuesday (June 23), with dual valedictorians sharing the stage to reflect on their unique five-year journey.
Aley Jones and Linus Gervais opened their speech to a packed gymnasium by looking back on their transition to middle school at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to miss out on traditional “link day” orientations.
“Although that was less than optimal, it taught us to be resilient and to problem-solve while we found our way around our new school,” Gervais said. “That fear of the big, daunting middle school went away quickly because the staff made us feel welcomed and at home.”
The duo joked about how far they had come since Grade 4, when their biggest academic milestone was simply remembering their Google passwords.
“Now we are graduating from JDH,” Gervais said. “That is a big upgrade.”
From playing sports to school clubs, the graduates celebrated the tight-knit community they built. Jones highlighted memorable field trips to Canada’s Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, and a Blue Jays game, alongside an unforgettable Grade 6 trip to Camp Muskoka, where she broke a leg.
“That trip will definitely be unforgettable!” Jones joked.
Gervais highlighted the unique advantages of growing up in Haliburton, with the school’s vast backyard where students spent years playing sports and manhunt.
“Not many schools have a backyard like we do,” he told the crowd.
The graduates took some time to express gratitude to their parents and teachers. Jones joked that parents deserved diplomas for surviving years of middle school mood swings. Staff from both the French immersion and English streams were recognized for keeping learning engaging and ensuring that every student felt included.
As the class of ‘26 set their sights on Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, Gervais encouraged his classmates to remain authentic and embrace new opportunities like woodworking, guitar, and pottery.
“Be yourself,” he said. “Your best friendships are formed from truths, not lies, and if your goal is to be ‘cool’ then you should think again.”
Lastly, the valedictorians reminded their classmates that mistakes are the greatest motivator for growth.
“Although our paths may go different ways, we are all Jags, and that will always be our bond.”
