La Loche students to graduate after school shooting

It's a chance for the Saskatchewan community of La Loche to celebrate something inside a school where tragedy struck just months ago. Today, the 35 students making up this year's graduating class will be getting their diplomas.

In January, four people were killed and seven others were wounded when a shooter opened fire in the small northern community. Brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine were killed inside their home. Teaching assistant Marie Janvier and teacher Adam Wood were killed inside the school.

Seven others were struck by gunfire inside the hallways of the high school. 

"This is a group of students who are remarkably committed to their education in a school year where they've had every reason not to complete it," said Theresa Huntley, the grad co-ordinator and career transition teacher at the La Loche Community School.

She's been at the school for more than four years. Huntley is the grad co-ordinator, but this graduation has been planned by the students, she said.

"They were very focused on celebrating their graduation," Huntley said. 

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The community has been recovering, Huntley said, and today it will come to celebrate.

"The radio station always announces the grad list and puts it on the local TV. It's a big deal when the kids get to cross the stage," she said. "Especially this year, it's a chance to be happy about something. These grads are pretty special."

Honouring Dayne Fontaine

Painfully absent from the graduation will be shooting victim Dayne Fontaine. Huntley said the graduating class grew up together.

"They have wanted to include their late classmate in as much of the graduation process as possible," she said. 

"They have wanted to include Dayne's family. So it's very special to them to have Dayne's name on that list of grads."

Dayne will be an honorary grad at today's ceremony. Huntley described him as being a good friend and a wonderful student.

The celebration includes a grand march, where students will walk down the stage with an escort. There will be a grad photo in their cap and gown followed by speeches from Mayor Kevin Janvier, school officials and other dignitaries.

One of the favourite traditions is the class slide show prepared by the students, Huntley said.

More than anything, Huntley said, students, staff and the community are trying their best to make today's graduation a celebration and not get weighed down by the tragic event earlier this year. 

"This means a celebration of kids committing to their education and being passionate about making plans and goals for their life."