It wasn’t the graduation our Class of 2021 expected but it was certainly memorable. Piped in by bagpiper Michael Chisolm, our grads gathered together in the Odette Tognetti Theatre to hear speeches from Mme Julie Rousseau, teachers Clint Robertson and Whitney Black, parent Jonathan McDonald, grads Kate R. and Sophie A., Class Presidents: Katrina A., Claudia B., Lauren L., and Arielle R.; Alumnae Association President, Courtney (Smith) Cousineau ‘99, and Class Valedictorian Skye H.
With the aid of our stellar technology team and video crew, we were able to livestream this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony throughout the school to faculty and staff and into the homes of loved ones both locally and across the country. Those who watched were particularly touched by the personal words that each of our Yorkies shared before they crossed the stage, one final time, to accept their graduation diploma from Mme Rousseau.
Following the ceremony, our Class of 2021 grads exited the theatre onto the field where they assembled for the traditional hat toss photo. Thank you to YHS Digital Media Teacher and professional photographer, Jonathan Lee for his willingness to go that extra mile and climb into our Genie lift to get the perfect shot from above!
Before they left the field they performed their Grad Class Song “What Makes YHS Beautiful”, dedicated to their teachers (traditionally performed the winter holidays at assembly); a parody of the One Direction song “What Makes You Beautiful”. It was a smash hit!
Grads were able to gather once more with their TAGs and TAG teachers in tents alongside the field where they enjoyed cupcakes and lemonade before making their way to the giant YHS flower wall stationed under the new Junior School pergola. A special thank you to our Grade 12 Class Parents: Lisa Cohen, Tammy Balz, Kimberly Cudney, Ann Fernback, Lisa Stewart, and Roula Tsakumis for creating the giant “Grad 2021” letters that stood out on the field and the stunning YHS flower wall (both the flower wall and the Grad letters were painstakingly made by hand!), and for providing decadent cupcakes for the Grads and their teachers to enjoy. Your contributions added so much to this special day!
Class of 2021, we are so proud of your resilience and amazing accomplishments and look forward to hearing about your future adventures. Onward and upward, Yorkies!
