A gracious community gathered at Huff Estates Arena Thursday to fête PECI’s graduating class of 2025. A capacity crowd of parents, aunts, and uncles whooped and hollered in appreciation as their favourite graduate accepted an Ontario Secondary School Diploma from their teachers and principal. A total of 113 graduates took part in the ceremony.

Prince Edward County once again showed how much it appreciates and supports its high school graduates. An incredible 81 monetary awards, scholarships and bursaries were handed out during the ceremony.

Discipline and Kindness

PECI Valedictorian Rowan Colby gave an inspirational address. Mr. Colby said it was important to be aware of this unique island paradise and the people in it as graduates stand at the precipice of one of the significant transitions in life.

“In a way, we are isolated from the busy-ness of the world. We were very fortunate to be raised in such a setting. In a world that seems increasingly full of conflict and suffering, this wonderful location has helped mold us into what we are today,” he said.

Mr. Colby offered some words of advice to the Class of 2025, focusing on the importance of discipline and kindness. “When striving towards your dream, the only thing holding you back is how much you commit yourself to that dream. Discipline is not about talent, it is about hard work. Anyone in this room has the potential to work hard.”

The valedictorian reached back to early teachings from his parents which included the mantra “Be kind to everyone.” Mr. Colby said anger, negativity and division are far too common.

“We will have different views than others in life — this is the sign of a healthy society. However, it is all too easy to let our own opinions get in the way of being kind to each other — this creates vast divides where there could be bridges instead. After all, we are Canadian. Being kind is easy!”

He concluded noting: “carry the memory of our beautiful County and the selfless community that raised us. No matter where we end up, we will always have shared this first chapter together. Carry on your shoulders the pride of what you have become, and what you are going to become.”

Award Winners

And of course teachers were keen to hand out the hardware of academic achievement. Maggie Rice emerged as PECI’s leading scholar, earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal for highest academic standing for overall average in Grades 11 and 12. She also captured the Highline Produce Limited Award for highest average in six Grade 12 university entrance level courses and the Thomas Kinney Memorial Scholarship, awarded to the student with highest standing in Grade 12 university entrance level courses who is proceeding to an Ontario university.

In total, Ms. Rice won seven awards, scholarships and/or bursaries. Other graduates earning multiple awards included Sophie Eskins, Evan Bowman, Mr. Colby, Colin Bondy, Courtney Cowan, Kendra Swackhammer, Nickolaos Panagiotopoulos, Elizabeth Bailas, Racheal Weaver, Connor Borton, Josh McGill, Matthew Clancy, Carter Kingsley, Lainey VanVlack, Madison Wamsley, Declan Vincent, Drew Spencer, Macey Campbell, Ruby Warr-Hunter, Abby Watkins and Abby Stock.

In terms of Ontario Scholars, PECI once again punched above its weight with 48 graduates out of 113 achieving an 80 percent average or better in six Grade 12 courses.

Congratulations to all of our wonderful graduates, and a hearty thank you to the selfless and inspiring teachers who encouraged and sustained their efforts for 13 years.