North Star High School celebrates the Class of 2026
- Ron Giofu
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The Class of 2026 at North Star High School has bid farewell.
The Amherstburg public high school held its graduation ceremony last Thursday evening (June 25) where they paid tribute to this year’s graduating class. In all, approximately 149 students crossed the stage, got their diplomas and were given best wishes as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Valedictorian Camryn Maxwell said they were nervous when everyone started in Grade 9 as it was a new school for everyone. She recalled getting bumped into by a Grade 12 with a textbook early in her high school career due to crowding in the halls of North Star.
“We were all small fish in a big pond,” said Maxwell.
Maxwell thanked her parents, family and the staff at North Star, the work of the latter was appreciated “more than you’ll ever know.”
Maxwell paid tribute to her fellow graduates and they grew together as the years went on. She encouraged her classmates to be their true and honest selves and she said she is excited to see what is next.
Graduates were also encouraged by Maxwell to step out of their comfort zones and try new things as that is what makes life interesting.
“We all have unique talents and backgrounds and that is what makes the community at North Star such a thing of beauty,” Maxwell added.
“Graduates, be incredibly proud of your success,” said Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee Chandrika Abhang.
Abhang said coming to the graduation was a highlight of her time thus far as the local trustee and said the students navigated change together.
“Never let anyone tell you you’re too young to change the status quo,” she said.
Abhang encouraged the students to make positive change and “disrupt it to make it better” if they have to.
Mayor Michael Prue brought greetings, recalling his own graduation. He said there was a section in the yearbook with photos of students and his read that he wanted to become a politician.
“I have lived that life for 36 years,” he told the graduates. “I am living my dream. I want you to set your goals and ambitions high.”
Prue added the students can do what they want and achieve their dreams, “just dream big.”
GECDSB CEO Vicki Houston pointed out this year’s group of graduates was the first to spend all four of their years at North Star High School, being in Grade 9 when the school first opened in 2022.
Houston was one of many who thanked the parents, staff and community for supporting the students, with the graduates having demonstrated resiliency and determination along the way.
“The world definitely needs your ideas, compassion and leadership,” said Houston.
North Star principal Kyle Berard said they were at the Libro Centre for the graduation to celebrate this year’s graduating class, noting they came together as a wolfpack, the latter being a reference to the school’s nickname of the Wolves.
Berard said he has been impressed with how the students conduct themselves both at school and in the community, and predicted they will do great things either in the community or wherever they go in life.
Vice principal Jason Lynn also thanked staff, families and the graduates for getting the youth to this stage in life.
“Graduation is not a conclusion, it is a beginning of the next chapter of your life,” Lynn told the graduates.
Guidance department head Stephanie Mongeau pointed out graduates earned $460,700 in scholarships, bursaries and graduation awards, of which $39,450 came from local community partners.
Mongeau encouraged the students to take what they learned at North Star and apply it to whatever they do in life.
“Your Wolfpack family will always love and support you, wherever you go,” she said.
North Star High School celebrates the Class of 2026
By Ron Giofu
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