County’s graduates being celebrated on the air waves

The milestone of graduation is being honoured on the airwaves for the second year as the COVID-19 pandemic curtails in-person ceremonies.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has partnered with radio station 99.3 County FM to broadcast graduation ceremonies for Prince Edward County students.

“Celebrating the end of the school year in June is a decades-old tradition and the COVID-19 isn’t stopping us from making that happen,” said Sean Monteith, retiring Director of Education. “The sense of community – and family – in Prince Edward County is what keeps everyone connected and together.

Today at 12:10 p.m. and repeated at 6:10 p.m. Prince Edward Collegiate Institute Grade 12 graduates will be honoured with special guests including Mayor Steve Ferguson, Monteith, PECI principal Andrew Ross, teachers and a valedictory address from Talia Epstein. Click here to listen to Talia online 

The PECI graduation slideshow is available by clicking here

Approximately 160 Grade 8 students graduating from five elementary schools in the County (Athol South-Marysburgh, CML Snider, Kente, Sophiasburgh and Prince Edward Collegiate Institute were celebrated Tuesday.

One Grade 8 student from each school was chosen to speak and the name of each student going to high school in September was announced. Messages were also heard from Monteith, trustees and principals.

Radio station general manager Craig Mills said the 99.3 County FM volunteers were eager to do something significant to celebrate the students.

“It doesn’t matter the grade they’re graduating from, there are so many emotions for the students and families as the school year concludes. We hope students and families from all grades will share in the joy of these PEC students.”