Community Comes Out For Graduating Class Of Four On Campobello

Four students graduated from Campobello Island Consolidated School in 2023: Ramsey Foster, Keaton Lord, Belle Mitchell and Rianna Newman. You wouldn't think it was such a tiny class graduating if you happened upon the graduation ceremony inside the school gym in late June where hundreds of islanders gathered to watch four high school seniors move the tassel of their grad cap to leave their secondary education behind them. Graduation on Campobello has traditionally been a community event regardless of the size of the class. In 2022, 13 graduated--a relatively large class given the population of just 900 islanders in total. Nearly the same amount of people, however, came out to the 2023 ceremony to watch four graduates receive their diplomas.

CICS Principal Daphne Carten emceed the graduation ceremony, once again writing a song for the graduating class that spoke to memories of each student. The beauty of a small school is the familiarity every teacher and staff member tends to have with each students. In Carten's case, she has always been able to write a single song that addresses each grad with a personal message. 

Mr. O'Brien from the Anglophone South School District also had encouraging words to share with the grads.

"You're surrounded here today by quite a number of people who are extremely proud to see you in your caps and gowns. These people love you for the person you are, and they have been a tremendous support to you," said O'Brien. "Your families, your teachers and school staff, all of your friends and members of this community have helped you in your journey. Offer them your gratitude and know that they want to continue to support you however you need it along your path."

After the formal ceremony, everyone in attendance was invited to a community party celebrating the four graduates.