Families from École Père Mercure school gathered in support of lone 2020 graduate Yann Sangarè Wednesday evening. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Solo grad

École Père Mercure celebrates third graduate in school history

Jun 18, 2020 | 3:00 PM

It’s a rare and very special occasion for the French language school École Père Mercure: they’ve celebrated the third graduate in their near 30-year history.

On Wednesday evening Yann Sangarè and his family enjoyed an outdoor gathering to honour of his graduation on the school’s grounds. Former administrative assistant and librarian Yvette Miedema said it was quite an achievement for him to graduate in these circumstances, as the majority of students Grades 8 and 9 will transfer to one of the local high schools. All of this, of course, was further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He’s had lockdown since he came here, in terms of being secluded in a classroom with a screen and laptop,” Miedema said.

Sangarè’s family originally emigrated from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to Quebec years ago, before moving to North Battleford, where his parents have both taught at École Père Mercure. Miedema said Sangarè’s been a great influence for the younger students, who will miss him this coming school year. Several families formed a parade of vehicles to show their appreciation for the graduate during the ceremony.

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“They forget that he’s actually in grade 12 and they’re a little bit surprised now that he’s graduating and leaving, because he’s one of them,” she said. “He really got along well with everyone.”

Going from being a youngster in a school of 2,000 students in Gatineau to being a lone graduate in North Battleford was a significant adjustment for Sangarè. However, he said it didn’t take long for him to accept the responsibility and come to enjoy it.

“When I was here, I was the oldest, so I had to be a role model for them,” he said. “[So] it’s what I did.”

Yann Sangarè will attend the University of Regina to take Business Administration, following his graduation from École Père Mercure School. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Sangarè said he takes pride in being amongst rare company as only the third student ever to graduate from the school.

The last person to graduate here I think was around 2017,” he said. “So, it feels great to graduate from [École Père Mercure].”

This fall, he plans to attend the University of Regina to take business administration. He said he’s focused on having independence in the business world.

“I’m working to be my own boss.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports