While many Fort McMurray grads missed their chance to walk the stage and toss their caps, at least one got that chance thanks to the kindness of students and staff at St. Mary School.
Fort McMurray residents Michael Gauvin, his mother Amanda and their family first connected with the school after fleeing the Fort McMurray fire in early May.
They purchased a recreational vehicle in Edmonton and found a posting for open camping at the home of Westlock-area resident Tammy Gibert.
The generosity meant they could stay as close to home as possible while waiting to return north.
“We have two little dogs and our cat that are able to stay here in our trailer,” Amanda said.
While staying on the property along with four other families, Michael met Gibert’s daughter and St. Mary student Jocelyn Smith.
It wasn’t long before Jocelyn, her fellow students and the staff at St. Mary had the idea to welcome Michael into the fold to make sure that he didn’t miss out on the time-honoured graduation ceremony.
“It was a beautiful moment,” said St. Mary assistant principal Vance Nakonechny.
Michael wore a suit on loan from Arth’s Fashion Centre, and while he was a bit of a stranger to staff, a family friend was on hand to help with his introduction and to share a story or two about him.
“It was nice,” Amanda said. “We were feeling very sad that we might not get a chance to do it.”
“It’s a right of passage in our society and when [our students] see somebody else that loses that opportunity, it shows a lot to their character as a grad class and as a community to do what they can to make this a special day for that young man,” Nakonechny added.
“Once it was all over, [Michael] decided that he was very thankful. The school and the whole community are amazing,” Amanda said.
The random act of kindness was also a perfect way to help students reflect on the school’s founding principles during their own special day, Nakonechny said.
“We extol virtues like community and thinking of others at St. Mary. Our school theme is sharing the spirit and that’s what we’re trying to do in situations like this,” he said.
“Our students are very respectful and very genuine. People who think teenagers are selfish, they should see this. I’m very proud of all of our students.”
Amanda, Michael and the rest of their family expect to be able to return to Fort McMurray June 17.
