Fellowes High School graduation marks new chapter for Class of 2026

Graduates at Fellowes High School celebrated the completion of their secondary school education as the Class of 2026 received diplomas during commencement ceremonies in Pembroke. Family, friends, teachers and honoured guests gathered to recognize the graduates and celebrate the milestone as students prepared to begin the next stage of their lives. Class valedictorian Holly Kuehl [...]

Article content Graduates at Fellowes High School celebrated the completion of their secondary school education as the Class of 2026 received diplomas during commencement ceremonies in Pembroke. Family, friends, teachers and honoured guests gathered to recognize the graduates and celebrate the milestone as students prepared to begin the next stage of their lives. Recommended Videos Class valedictorian Holly Kuehl welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged that graduation is a day filled with both excitement and emotion.

“I know this day can be really hard for some people,” the valedictorian said. “I know it can be very emotional as well, because it’s a big step in life. So for those of you in the crowd who are on the verge of tears, I’m going to try and make this speech as light as possible.”

Reflecting on growing up, the valedictorian said they were often reminded of the potential they possessed and the bright future ahead. “As I grew up, I was always told that there is greatness in me. I was told that I have a bright future and that I have a great purpose for this life,” Kuehl said, adding with a smile that a co-worker had predicted they would become “a millionaire by 25.”

The valedictorian said success looks different for everyone, noting that wealth is not always measured by money. “Being rich in life could be a family, it could be a great education, it could simply be seeing the world,” she said. “Getting there in life isn’t easy.

We will have hills to climb. We will face challenges that feel so extreme. But the journey will be blissful.”

Looking back on the past four years, the valedictorian reflected on the friendships, experiences and support that shaped the graduating class. “Yes, Grade 9 was scary at first, but now look at us. We’ve made friends and memories we will never forget,” she said.

Kuehl thanked teachers and school staff for helping students succeed through classes, clubs and athletics. “Whether it was classes, clubs or sports this school has guided our future. For that, I’d like to say thank you.”

Turning to the future, the valedictorian encouraged classmates to live in the present and remain true to themselves. “Don’t get too concerned about what has happened, and don’t get too anxious about what will happen,” Kuehl said. “The time we are given is precious.

So spend each minute wisely and make each moment count. Show people around you who you are. Never change for someone else.”

The address concluded with a reminder that graduation is not an ending, but the beginning of new opportunities. “As we close this chapter in our lives I know there is so much more for our future,” she said. “I know it can be scary and anxious; going on your own way, finding new friends and moving away from family.

But try and make it as fascinating as possible. The world is your oyster.” During the ceremony, Tyler Elliott received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic average.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students, recognizing graduates who go above and beyond the volunteer hours required for graduation, was presented to Cora Weatherbie. Over 60 members of the Class of 2026 were also recognized as Ontario Scholars for achieving an average of at least 80 per cent in their top six Grade 12 courses. The Ontario Scholars were Jai Anderson, Lydia Barr, Avery Beegan, Rayah Blais, Hadleigh Boxall, Malakai Boyd, Taylor Bresseau, Avery Broome, Alexis Buchwald, Evalee Bullock, Marie Charles, Jamin Clark, Molly Clark, Cole Conroy, Jaxon Dalton, Alexis Darling, Rockland Dougherty, Tyler Elliott, Lillian Ellsworth, Blake Gillard, Carter Hilts, Olivia Hilts, Marley Hoffman, Shelby Hoffman, Madison Howarth, Sadie Hunt, Ryan Hynes, Quincy Jackson, Jaedon Jessome, Carlin MacCoy, Kalen Mackay, Caleb Maika, Jaxson Manning, Catherine Marlay, Adam Martens, Alex Martens, Lukas Mishak, Parker Mohns, Suhani Patel, Chandler Pearson, Angel Pohl, Ella Prins, Holly Rahn, Brooklyn Regier, Kolten Renaud, Moira Roberts, Travis Robinson, Jasper Sangster, Cameron Schooley, Kherinton Smith, Braelyn Sterling, Jake Thomson, Samuel Tucker, Melody Turcotte, Emery Verch, Keiran Wagner, Cora Weatherbie, Karleigh Woollam, Akiva Wright, Ryan Zadow, Brandy Zhou, and Connie Zhou.

Renfrew County Medallions are presented to graduating students who have achieved level four standing in at least six credits. Recipients in the Class of 2026 were Faith Allen, Rayah Blais, Malakai Boyd, Taylor Bresseau, Avery Broome, Marie Charles, Molly Clark, Olivia Clark, Cole Conroy, Jaxon Dalton, Alexis Darling, Rockland Dougherty, Tyler Elliott, Carter Hilts, Marley Hoffman, Sadie Hunt, Quincy Jackson, Jaedon Jessome, Carlin MacCoy, Jaxson Manning, Catherine Marlay, Adam Martens, Alex Martens, Parker Mohns, Darren Nagel, Suhani Patel, Holly Rahn, Kolten Renaud, Tyrick Richard, Travis Robinson, Jasper Sangster, Korbin Smith, Jake Thompson, Melody Turcotte, Emery Verch, Nolan Versagen, Keiran Wagner, Cora Weatherbie, Ryan Zadow, and Connie Zhou.