95 Diplomas Given from Salmon River High School

By Andy Gardner.

AKWESASNE – Ninety-five students graduated from Salmon River High School on Wednesday, June 26 in a ceremony held on the school campus before an audience of several hundred.

Stormy weather appeared ready to drench the event, but ended up passing overhead without leaving any precipitation and giving way to fair weather. However, the program was moved along somewhat quickly as more storm clouds were on their way.

The program opened with pre-recorded renditions of the Canadian and American national anthems, as well as Skennen Song performed by the Akwesasne Women Singers.

Mataya Arquiette gave a brief welcome address. Following that, Iakokariio Clute, Iehrakwas Peters-Martin, Ava Bradley and Ariyah Lafrance recited the Thanksgiving Address.

Superintendent of Schools Stanley Harper addressed the class where he reminded them as they go forward to always act with empathy, "that reminds us of our shared humanity."

Valedictorian Aleska Mora-Williams gave a speech where she urged her classmates to "choose change" as they go forward with their lives.

"The alternative is the overbearing weight of monotony," she said, adding that her classmates should try and "embrace the fear (of change) we feel and use it as our boat to move forward."

Salutatorian Anthony "Ty" David, a dirt racer his whole life, modeled his entire speech as a racing metaphor.

He said the Class of 2024 are just completing "The Salmon River 12" where they "roared out of the gates into the chaos of learning."

"Teachers and families became our pit crew," David said. "It became clear we were the ones doing the driving and set our goals.

Now, the grads are moving on to what he called "The Life 50."

"It's an endurance race," he said. "It's a marathon, not a sprint."