Last week, 88 Grade 12 students made their way across the stage at St. Thomas Aquinas High School as they proudly moved their tassels to the other side of their graduation caps. This year's graduation ceremony saw some tears, laughter and of course lots of proud families and friends look on as their loved ones celebrated their graduation from high school.
This year's class chose Dominique Novelli as their Valedictorian. Before leaving the halls of St. Thomas Aquinas for the last time, we spoke with him about his speech, leaving the high school after four years of fun and hard work, Catholic education, and any advice he would give to the incoming Grade 9s.
Q: How did it feel to be voted this year's Valedictorian?
Novelli: I was really honoured, I'm glad they chose me. I was really happy to share all our experiences and get a couple of laughs out of them and kind of be the last one with an assignment for the year.
Q: You served as student trustee to the Kenora Catholic District School Board. What was that experience like?
Novelli: That was a really amazing experience. It was so cool to be a part of the board and see what was going on, especially with a school board I am a part of. It was neat to see the behind the scenes of my education and it was an honour to chosen by my peers to report to the board.
Q: What was one of your favourite memories from your time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School?
Novelli: My favourite memory is actually from this year, it was going to OFSAA and winning a silver medal. We had such a picture perfect volleyball season and it made my year.
Q: How did your Catholic education prepare you for life after high school?
Novelli: It's really important to have faith in your life. That helps you get through difficult times. It allows you to keep moving forward in life and encourages good work ethic.
Q: And finally what advice would you give to students coming into St. Thomas Aquinas High School this fall?
Novelli: I would say to get involved in the school as much as you can. Enjoy your years because they really do go by super fast.
Novelli is off to Carleton University in the fall where he will take a pre-law program. At the graduation ceremony he was awarded the Catholic Graduate Expectations Award - A Discerning Believer/Love.