Congratulations, Grade 8 Graduates!
Rockway’s 33rd Grade 8 Graduation took place on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The celebration began with a delicious meal at Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley including the students, their teachers and several administrators, prior to the ceremony. We celebrate that there were thirty-two students who received their Grade 8 diplomas from Rockway this year, all of whom will be continuing their studies in Grade 9 at Rockway in the fall.
According to their teachers, this year’s graduating class is described as a group of deep thinkers, who were intellectually honest with a good sense of humour. This led to many moments of laughter and cheering together! We are grateful for the valuable and vital contributions these students have made to the Rockway community!
Anita Schroeder Kipfer, pastor at Floradale Mennonite Church and parent to graduate, Julia Schroeder Kipfer, gave the graduation address entitled, “Kindle the Fire that Sings in You.” Schroeder Kipfer reflected on the unique character and personality in each the graduates and posed the questions, “What is one of your gifts? How have others helped to nurture it?”
She impressed on the graduates that they should not neglect these gifts but rather use them in new and richer ways than those who’ve walked ahead of them. Each graduate was presented with a candle as a reminder of the light they each carry inside and the strong community to which they belong. Her final words included, “Keep fanning into flame your amazing gifts, hopes and dreams. Tend them gently; nurture them diligently; share them with each other and take them to a waiting world.”
On behalf of Rockway’s Board of Directors, Faculty and Staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our Grade 8 graduates! I look forward to seeing many of them continue to “form faith and build character” as they launch into high school this fall!
Ann L. Schultz
Principal
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