YARMOUTH, N.S. — After 83 years, Yarmouth Central School bid farewell to its last graduating pack of wolves on June 27.
The lower level of the school was transformed into a festive venue for the occasion.
After hearing about the graduation ceremony, the Mariners Centre wanted to help. Gil Dares and Kevin Vallillee brought decorations from the Mariners Centre to the school to decorate the area for the class of 36 graduates and their families. This is the last class to graduate from this elementary school.
The ceremony included student farewells, a quick visit from Zach Churchill, Nova Scotia’s education minister and Yarmouth MLA – and a former Yarmouth Central School graduate – along with the presentation of certificates and special awards, a slideshow and recessional.
The item that made the crowd roar the most, though, was principal Jared Purdy’s remarks. He thanked the families for putting their trust in the school and for their support.
“We’re a school that’s always taken pride in being a family-first school, not about just students first, but families first and I hope that we’ve succeeded over the years in doing that,” he said.
Choking back emotion, Purdy delivered the following, for which he received a standing ovation:
“No matter where you go or where your dreams take you, remember your years at 53 Parade. This school and school community is a very special place, filled with some of the best people I’ve ever met. I can say without a doubt that the people in this community have taught me more than I could ever teach them. The students, families and the staff. We’ve seen some highs and seen some lows but throughout the ride we’ve always had each other to hold on to. And at the end of it all that’s what the ride is all about.”
He finished with a quote from Rudyard Kipling. “For the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack. Thank you for having me in your pack.”
This fall, elementary students will attend the new Yarmouth Elementary School.
Yarmouth Central School will be turned back over to the Town of Yarmouth.
