Alain Bourdeau, an Oil and Gas Field
Operator program graduate, received
his credential from NLC Board Chair Karen Simpson.
Alicia Remenda-Alton, the 2013 Class Valedictorian, received her credential
from NLC Board Chair Karen Simpson and NLC President Laurie Rancourt.
The graduates gathered for the traditional
group photo prior to Convocation ceremonies.
Students in 37 program areas were honoured through the conferral of certificates and diplomas.
Alicia Remenda-Alton, a graduate of the Applied Business Technology program, was named the Valedictorian. Remenda-Alton is originally from Victoria, and moved to Fort St. John with her family several years ago. The mother of two made the decision to return to school in 2012.
In her valedictory address, Remenda-Alton congratulated her fellow graduates on what they have learned so far, and urged them not to stop here.
“Nothing can top the feeling we graduates have right now. We get to spend one last day together before moving on to new adventures,” she said. “I learned not to let my schooling get in the way of my education… It wasn’t about the quizzes or test marks or typing speeds, it was about bettering ourselves…. I challenge each of you to go forward and write the next, most remarkable, chapter in your lives.”
Keynote speaker for the event was Ted Sloan, a long time resident of Fort St. John, and well-known morning show host on Moose FM.
Sloan, who attended NLC in 2008, told the graduates they need to learn who they are as individuals, and not to let someone else’s negativity stop them.
“You’re about to enter a world of no’s. Don’t let this happen to you,” Sloan said. “You are good enough, you are more than good enough… Instead of asking ‘why me’, ask ‘why not me.’”
Other special guests in attendance included City of Fort St. John Council member Bruce Christensen; School District 60 Superintendent David Sloan; Karen Simpson, Chair of the NLC Board of Governors; and Laurie Rancourt, President of NLC. A blessing by Debra Trask opened the ceremony.
NLC hosts three Convocation ceremonies each year. Other Convocation ceremonies are held in Dawson Creek (June 14) and Fort Nelson (June 18).