Hal High principal Jennifer Mills told the school’s class of 2026 to go out and make a difference in the world following their graduation last Thursday (June 25), saying “there is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.”
The gymnasium at the local high school was packed to the rafters, with teachers, family and friends celebrating this year’s 109 graduates.
“When we think of superheroes, we often think of flawless figures who have exceptional powers and abilities. But true greatness isn’t something you are suddenly handed, it is something you build,” Mills said. “And that cape? It doesn’t drop from the sky. You all have been weaving your cape together throughout the years.”
The principal said while many will have bright patches showcasing their success and victories, there are also weathered parts that represent mistakes.
“Do not hide these or wish them away. Keep them on that cape – they show you that you can do hard things… these experiences are what make you stronger. They represent resilience,” Mills said.
“High school may be over, but your journey is just beginning. The world is waiting. Take a deep breath, make good choices and put on your cape,” she added.
Teacher Justin Collins served as the master of ceremonies with speeches from Jennifer Clarke, superintendent with Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Tanya Boisvert, chair of the school council, and vice principal Martin Gage, on behalf of trustee Gary Brohman, who missed only his second Hal High graduation.
Carrying a cardboard cutout of Brohman, Gage said, “Gary is telling you that your diploma is your passport and no one can take it away from you. And remember, once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”
Thirty-four of the graduates made the honour roll, including valedictorian Trevin Bain-Gross. To be eligible, students had to maintain an average of 80 per cent or higher in their top six senior courses taken in their graduating year.
There were 143 awards handed out, with Jordanna Jennings and Ella Gervais each scooping seven, Aurora Wesley getting six and Hazel Jones and Ben McMahon winning four each.
After teaching all the graduates in Grade 9 English, Collins said he knew right away there was something special about the class of 2026.
“Over the last four years, there’s been one thing I’ve learned about this graduating class. It’s not that they’ve faced the tests, they’ve done that. It’s not that they won championships, they’ve done that too. They haven’t just painted the paintings, fixed the cars or baked the cakes – they have left a lasting legacy on this building,” Collins said.
“This class is a group of differencemakers… I challenge you now to find ways of continuing to leave an impact wherever you go. Do big things, the way you’ve done them here for the last four years,” he added.
