Dryden High Wraps Grad Celebrations

Graduation celebrations for Dryden High School’s Class of 2021 have officially come to an end.

After an unprecedented school year with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, a ‘drive through’ style graduation ceremony was held outside DHS Friday where each graduate walked up to receive their diploma and take pictures.

“It’s an amazing feeling (to be graduating today and) that the school has been able to do all of this for us, considering the crazy year that we’ve had,” said graduating student Jamee Desserre. “My favourite memory from high school was definitely our trip to Greece with Mr. Mitchell. I’ll be going to Trent University for the Medical Professional stream with a bachelor of science and biochemistry molecular biology. ”

This year, four sets of twins graduated from DHS including Jayna and Jaymeson Mihalick.

“I loved everything about high school and they’ve done a great job through COVID, it’s been a great grad,” said Jaymeson.

Jayna details their future plans.

“We’ll both be going to North Bay for school next year, I’m going to the University (Nipissing) for Criminology and my brother is going to the College (Canadore) for an Electrical techniques program.”

Bennett McLeod was another graduate thankful for the staff, teachers and family members who put together a modified form of an in person graduation.

“I would say my favourite memory was the Mary Poppins production that I took part in for Drama Club. That was amazing, we got a lot of positive feedback on it and it was probably one of the best productions that DHS ever did and it was a wonder to be a part of it.”

Bennet hopes to get into Medicine after attending the University of Windsor for the Biochemistry and Biomedicine program.

From class trips across the ocean, to clubs, Noah Heselwood says sports were the highlight of his time at DHS.

“My whole Grade 9 year playing basketball, we never won any actual league games so going into Grade 10 I remember our first game at home we won. So that was super exciting.”

Noah starts an apprenticeship at Solomon and Sons as a Truck and Coach Mechanic with plans to attend trade school at Conestoga College.

Congratulations to all graduating students across Sunset Country!