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Check out the parade Antler River Elementary School held for its graduating class

Liny Lamberink | CBC News | Posted: June 19, 2020 10:00 AM | Last Updated: June 19, 2020

16 students make up Antler River's graduating class of 2020

Image | Three generations

Caption: Audrey "Billy" Wilson (left) stands with her granddaughter, Christina Riley (middle) and her daughter, Ryan Kechego (right). (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

There was a lot of cheering and car honking — and a lot of big smiles — during a graduation parade for Grade 8 students at Antler River Elementary School.
Dozens of vehicles, covered with balloons, streamers and posters, gathered at the Chippewa Ball Park Thursday afternoon before making a jubilant procession towards the school, five kilometres away.

Image | graduating class

Caption: Graduating students were given a brief, physically-distanced ceremony. They each stood outside of the school, in spots marked out for them, while family members cheered from the parking lot. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

Image | Vick Slay

Caption: Vick Slay, principal of Antler River Elementary School, said he's hoping the graduating class will finish high school and move on to successful careers. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

"Today was an awesome day," said Vick Slay, the principal at Antler River. "We really wanted to show recognition for these kids. They worked really hard."
Sixteen students are graduating from the school this year. They were honoured during a brief, physically-distanced ceremony in the parking lot.
"These are the leaders of tomorrow, these are the people that we need within our world and we're so proud of them," said Jenna Bruce, who teaches the eighth grade class.

Image | Talon Doxtator

Caption: Talon Doxtator is one of the 16 students who make up Antler River Elementary School's Class of 2020. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

Talon Doxtator is heading to Saunders Secondary School in London in the fall, but he already has plans for college.
"Music. Music is probably the only thing that keeps me sane during these times," he explained. "I like all music, I like making music, I like writing music."

Image | Joseph and Miranda Antone

Caption: Joseph and Miranda Antone decked out their vehicle in posters and streamers to celebrate the graduation of their son, Talon. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

His parents, Miranda and Joseph, decorated their truck with balloons and banners for the parade.
"We're just showing our appreciation for our son. He did a lot of hard work," said Joseph.
"It's pretty awesome to see him grow up and celebrate this way, in a parade," said Miranda.

Image | parade

Caption: A fire truck led dozens of vehicles in a jubilant procession from the Chippewa Ball Park to Antler River Elementary School to celebrate graduating students. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

Audrey "Billy" Wilson said there were three generations of her family in attendance. She was there with her daughter, Ryan Kechego, to support Kechego's daughter, Christina Riley.
"I'm hoping that she will spread her wings, I'm hoping that she has dreams, and I'm hoping that she fulfils those dreams," said Wilson.

Image | antler river

Caption: Friends and family look on as grade eight students are celebrated during a brief, physically-distanced graduation ceremony in the Antler River School parking lot. (Liny Lamberink/CBC London)

The school is hoping to organize a more formal dinner celebration for the students later in the year, depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

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