Public school graduates to be celebrated on the radio

Grade 8 graduation ceremonies for Prince Edward County elementary schools will be on the air later this month through a partnership between the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board and that County 99.3 radio station.

“Transitioning to high school is a momentous occasion for students,” said HPEDSB’s Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken away some aspects of the traditional year-end ceremonies, the school board and radio station are proud to recognize these students in a unique way.”

“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, Director of Education. “The sense of community—and family—in Prince Edward County is what keeps everyone connected and together.”

The 80-minute broadcast is to begin at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 and will be repeated at 6:10 p.m. that evening. Approximately 160 Grade 8 students are graduating from five schools:
· Athol South-Marysburgh Public School
· CML Snider School
· Kente Public School
· Sophiasburgh Central School
· Prince Edward Collegiate Institute

The event will feature messages from trustees Jennifer Cobb, North Prince Edward County and Alison Kelly, South Prince Edward County; Sean Monteith, Director of Education; Tina Elliott, Superintendent of Education; principals from each school and one Grade 8 student from each school.

The name of each student going to high school in September will be announced.

“At 99.3 County FM, our volunteers were eager to do something significant to celebrate the students,” said Craig Mills, station manager. “By broadcasting at 99.3 FM and streaming the event (www.993countyfm.ca) we hope students and families from all grades will share in the joy of these PEC Grade 8 students.”