For 84 now former students at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI), four years of hard work, creativity, and determination are complete. The secondary school held its 2025 graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 26.
“Remember to approach each experience with integrity, curiosity, and a strong sense of self,” Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Trustee Corina Parisien told the students.
VCI Principal Ewan McIntosh emphasized good citizenship when he addressed the graduating class. He said the students will contribute to Canada and reflect the values of the constitution.
In reference to his regular “Joke of the Day” announcements to students, McIntosh urged the Class of 2025 to be optimistic.
“Even when it’s serious, don’t take yourself too seriously. There’s always room for a Joke of the Day.”
Valedictorians Abigail Emberg and Parker Hall also referred to McIntosh’s “corny dad joke of the day,” as a memory the graduates will retain of their years at VCI.
Hall noted that the class of 2025 began their high school years at a very difficult time to learn and get to know each other. It was the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All hidden with our masks, we didn’t know each other,” Hall said.
However, friendships since developed between students.
The valedictorians thanked all VCI staff, including teachers, educational assistants, office administration, and custodians. And, both Emberg and Hall thanked all parents and guardians for supporting their children through high school.
“All of your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” Emberg said.
As graduates crossed the stage to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas, many were also honoured as Ontario Scholars for graduating with an average of 80 per cent or greater. Numerous scholarships, awards, and bursaries were presented to graduates from a variety of public institutions, area businesses, and community or fraternal organizations.
Hannah Eastwood is the 2025 winner of the Governor General’s Academic Medal at VCI. Abigail Emberg is the recipient of the 2025 Ontario Principal’s Council Award. Parker Hall received the Principal’s Trophy and Centennial Bursary.
Graduate Kieran Gill is the winner of the 2025 Review Award. Gill is planning to pursue postsecondary education in broadcasting. The Review award is presented to a graduating student planning to study journalism, broadcasting, communications, English, History, or Political Science.
