2020 grads show 'tremendous work ethic', says vice principal (3 photos)

The Catholic school board is celebrating its students after their ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic.

This year, the Northeastern Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) has 15 graduates from the Alternative and Continuing Catholic Education Support Services (ACCESS) Centre who earned their high school diploma.

Penny Ervin won the Catholic Christian Values Award, Kolten Renwick-Sheppard won the Academic Excellence and Leadership Award, and the Most Deserving Student OECTA Award went to Melissa Jalbert Moody.

In a news release, ACCESS vice principal Sharon Maisonneuve said they are proud of all the graduates.

"They have shown ongoing commitment and a tremendous work ethic during this challenging health situation.  Now that they have earned their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas, they will be able to move forward to the next step of their life journey equipped with new skills that will help them embrace new opportunities.  On behalf of the ACCESS staff, I wish all of our graduates a blessed future filled with new adventures and experiences that will continue to help them grow and learn," she said.

Last week, the Catholic school board handed out diplomas in special ceremonies at each of the O'Gorman High School graduates' houses. A virtual ceremony was also shared and featured some traditional graduation elements.