The graduating class of 2026 at École Secondaire Arthur-Pigeon processed into the school gymnasium on June 5 to rousing applause as the 41st graduation ceremonies at the regional high school got underway.
The annual “Soirée d’Honneur” began with an inspiring address by the evening’s honourary president, Marie-Claudel Leduc of the school transportation company Les Autobus Roland Leduc Inc. in Huntingdon. She recounted her personal and professional journey, which was marked by changes in direction, doubts, and perseverance, before ending with an inspiring message to the graduates about the importance of taking risks, making mistakes, and starting over.
“Today, you are completing an important milestone. And even if the future seems uncertain, there so many possibilities that you can’t even imagine. Dare to move forward, even if it’s imperfect. Because in the end, it’s not just perfection that counts – it’s the courage to try,” said Leduc.
School principal Mélanie Gallant also shared some advice for the class of 2026, noting it has been an immense privilege to have supported the students during this chapter of their lives. “You have been curious, committed, creative, and – it must be said – sometimes a bit of a handful, but always genuine,” she said. “You helped bring École Arthur-Pigeon to life, giving it distinct character, energy, and soul,” she continued, noting the students had left their mark in the school hallways.
“I am deeply proud to have been your principal,” Gallant concluded. “Proud of your journey. Proud of who you have become. And above all, I am curious and excited to discover all that the future holds for you.”
The evening then moved on to the awarding of over $10,000 in bursaries and prizes provided by generous donors to the Fondation Arthur-Pigeon. The awards were presented to 28 deserving students who were recognized for their efforts in different subject areas, student life, and perseverance. This was followed by the conferring of diplomas and the traditional moving of the tassel on the students’ graduation caps from the right to the left side, symbolizing the transition from students to graduates.
This year’s class valedictorians, Rose-Élie Richard and Jeremy Noël-Roberge, then approached the stage, where they delivered a speech peppered with laughter as they detailed their time spent at the Huntingdon-based school.
The ceremony culminated in the awarding of the major prizes for academic achievement, which were presented to Emma Dauphinais and Elliot Bolduc. The Governor General’s Award for the highest academic achievement and the title of Student of the Year were then awarded to Léonie Powell, whose name, along with Leduc’s, was then ceremoniously added to the school’s Tableau d’Excellence.