Doing What’s Best for Kids

FMPSD Recognizes FNMI Graduates at 26th Annual Traditional Celebration of Achievement

Posted on: General News

(Fort McMurray, AB - May 31st, 2023) On May 25th, Fort McMurray Public Schools recognized and celebrated First Nations, Metis and Inuit graduates at the 26th annual Traditional Celebration of Achievement (TCOA). The TCOA is an annual event celebrating the graduating accomplishments of grade 12 First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in the Wood Buffalo Region. Since its beginning in 1998 with 11 graduates, TCOA has grown in size and importance. The graduates from Fort McMurray Public School Division, Fort McMurray Catholic School Division, Northlands School Division and Parkland School Division are all honoured at this celebration; this year’s TCOA recognized 32 graduating FMPSD students.

Thanks to the generous support from local corporate partners, the four school boards (Public, Catholic Parkland and Northland), Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC), and our Metis Local 1935, TCOA is a culmination of academic and community support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, incorporating traditional cultural elements alongside congratulations from loved ones and leaders.

The TCOA continues to be an event to behold for FMPSD Superintendent Annalee Nutter.

“TCOA is truly an emotional event for me because it highlights the culture of the students and their families. Seeing everyone in their ribbon shirts, skirts and Métis sashes and showing such pride is heartwarming. We are proud of the efforts they have shown and that we get to be a part of their celebration. Personally for me, as a former principal of Greely Road School and Walter & Gladys Hill, I was extra proud to see those students walk across the stage.”

Congratulations to our honourable First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates of 2023:


                                                   Composite High School

                        Xander Aikman             Riley Earles             Joshua Houle

             Alexandria Hiscock-Karamujic             Braden Mattson             Andre Metacat-Yah

                                     Brody Seaman             Mason Vogt-Begue

 

                                          École McTavish Public High School

                         Alicia Bourassa             Ashten Bradley             Sabrina Crewe

                   Hunter Deranger-Quintal             Alyssa Elliott             Kyra Hawkins

                   Samantha Hiscock             Emma Jensen             Jeremiah Lamouche

                         Navaeh McIsaac             Hailey Power             Christopher Reid

                         Ava Romanchuk             Carter Roussin             Drew Starr

                         Keiran Watson             Noel Watson             Olivia Woods

 

                                               Frank Spragins High School

             Jayme Butt             Katherine Metacat-Yah             Autum Pruden             Ella Ryan

 

                                         Westwood Community High School


                                       Paulina Kuznetsov             Archer Thunder




                               Congratulations again on this significant milestone!



 

For additional information, contact:

Momin Syed                                                           
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca