North Star High School bids farewell to Class of 2025

North Star High School graduates assemble at the third annual graduation ceremony at the Libro Centre.

It was time to celebrate North Star High School’s Class of 2025 last Thursday evening.

The Amherstburg public high school’s third annual graduation ceremony was held at the Libro Centre with families and staff celebrating with the graduates as the crossed the stage. Approximately 176 students were involved, with some moving on to post-secondary education, others entering “the world of work” while the remainder will return to North Star High School in the fall.

Valedictorian Isiah Rusenstrom joked that if someone told him four years ago that he would be standing up at graduation preparing to give the valedictory address, he would have believed them.

“I’ve been told by family and friends I don’t lack any confidence,” said Rusenstrom.

Rusenstrom reflected on his own high school career and that of his classmates. He thanked his grandparents for attending his many sporting events, his father for always encouraging him to do well in school and his mother, whom he described as his “rock.” His mom Nicole is a teacher at North Star High School.

Rusenstrom encouraged his classmates to thank the “rocks” in their own lives.” He also thanked his friend Owen Scott, pointing out Scott offered to have lunch with him in Grade 9 and they’ve been friends ever since.

Believing the challenges they faced brought them together, Rusenstrom said they came through a global pandemic and opened a new school.

Valedictorian Isiah Rusenstrom addresses his classmates and the crowd at the North Star High School graduation June 26, 2025.

“We are not perfect but we are Wolves,” he said, in reference to the school’s nickname. “That’s pretty close.”

Principal Melissa DeBruyne said it was a celebration of the students and all who supported them along the way. She had the Class of 2025 stand up and acknowledge their families and friends. 

DeBruyne thanked the school’s staff for assisting the students during their high school journey.

The graduates embraced challenges and change, DeBruyne noted, as they have gone from Bulldogs and Warriors to Wolves.

“I’m deeply proud of every one of you,” DeBruyne stated. “Go forward with kindness and the spirit of the wolfpack.”

Vice principal Jason Lynn said it was hard to watch the Grade 12 class leave the building. 

“The only thing that takes the sting out of it is that you’re going on to bigger and better things,” Lynn told the graduates.

Lynn thanked their families, stating the educational journey started when the students were cutting, pasting and learning their ABC’s. He also paid tribute to the staff for the hard work they put into educating the students.

Graduates were told to focus on what can be done and that their lives will be shaped on how they react to challenges.

“Stay true to yourself and always follow your north star,” stated Lynn.

The Greater Essex County District School Board was represented by director of education Vicki Houston. 

Houston noted the graduates are entering the next phase of the journey and now face the future. She also played on the school’s name, noting they have lived up to the name “north star” with the students being the light.

“Always know that your voice does matter,” she said. 

Houston thanked the teachers and support staff and told the graduates they are prepared for the future.

“I have every confidence you are ready for your next adventure,” she said.

Guidance department head Stephanie Mongeau pointed out the graduates earned approximately $400,000 in bursaries, scholarships and entrance awards.

“I’m so proud of you,” Mongeau told the graduates. “Your wolfpack will love and support you wherever you go.”

North Star High School bids farewell to Class of 2025

By Ron Giofu