Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to rise and recognize the 2003 graduating class of Diamond Jenness High School in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, there are 42 students graduating this year. This will be the largest graduating class ever for Diamond Jenness. Of these 42 graduates, 21 have been attending school together in Hay River area since kindergarten, which is also a new record.
Mr. Speaker, this group of fine young people have achieved this milestone through a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Graduation, Mr. Speaker, is truly a time for celebrating this most important milestone. It is my sincere hope that their well-deserved success will serve them well in all their future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, it will be my pleasure to attend the graduating ceremonies on June 28th in Hay River. Time does permit me here to list the names of all the graduates, Mr. Speaker, but I would like to thank Ms. Lynn Philips, a constituent of mine who while being a fine teacher is also the grad 2003 advisor.
Mr. Speaker, in addition I would also like to recognize the parents of the graduates who put in countless hours fundraising and organizing a safe, fun and truly memorable dry night of activities for the graduates. They are to be commended.
Mr. Speaker, while this time of year is a time of celebration and joy for the graduates, it also brings back some sad memories of a time a number of years ago when I lost a nephew during graduation celebrations on our highways. I would like to pass on to all the graduates that, although it is a time for joy and celebration, we must keep safety in mind and the celebration should not include being on the highways drinking and partying and I want to wish all the graduates a very safe and joyous summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause