REGINA — It’s a momentous time for Angelian Peigan.
Peigan is one of two students set to graduate with a Grade 12 diploma, marking the first time this has happened in Cornwall Alternative School’s history.
“Honestly, I'm feeling very excited, a little bit nervous, but I think that's just to be expected. But I'm just really happy to finally end this chapter of my life and continue with my career path,” said Angelian.
Cornwall Alternative School hadn’t had a Grade 12 class in its 50-plus-year history up until last fall.
As Angelian had been struggling with grades and attendance at her previous school, her sister, Sarah Angelian, who had been attending Cornwall, recommended that she make the switch.
“I was like, hey, ‘Cornwall has a Grade 12 program now. And now, just seeing her graduate and be one of the first people to graduate, I'm just so very proud of her,” said Sarah
After starting at Cornwall, Angelian said everything changed for her.
“Honestly, I've had the best grades and marks, and I think attendance I've ever had attending here than any other school I've been at.”
She added, “I feel like I've learned a lot here. Like, I failed environmental science previously in a few other schools, but here it actually made it fun and enjoyable to learn. We got to go on many trips and stuff like that to do some research.”
Ensuing success
Cornwall Alternative School principal Andrew Irwin-Pasloski said having a Grade 12 program will ensure students can complete high school.
“When we referred students out after Grade 10, the graduation rate was in the 20 percent range, and now we can have that much closer to the 100 per cent range when we can keep them.”
In the past, when students were referred, Irwin-Pasloski said they ultimately lost their go-to person.
“These counsellors and teachers that we have just show up every day and show them that life can be positive and there is hope for the future.”
Seeing students graduate from Cornwall can instill hope in those in the lower grades, noted Irwin-Pasloski.
“Lots of our students don't come from positive situations, and just those positive role models in their lives and seeing that someone else who came from not the greatest situation can also make it. I think that's huge.”
Beyond helping current students, the school’s Grade 12 program has opened a pathway for others to return.
“We've had a couple of students who have come back and re-engaged, so it's really neat to see a kid come who's had that positive experience and come back and continue to be successful here.”
Future plans
Once she completes high school, Angelian intends to become a nurse.
“I would like to do next is look into CCA (Continuing Care Assistant) programs because I want to eventually transition to be an RN (registered nurse).”
Her decision to pursue nursing stems from a lifelong desire to help others, which began in childhood.
“I try to do nice things around the… community … And I've always kind of been drawn to the health-care field.”
Her sister, Sarah, who is set to finish Grade 11, also intends to go into health care.
“I do want to go into medical school. That's something I want to do.”
As for next year, Irwin-Pasloski said upwards of 10 students could graduate from Cornwall.
Sarah said she is excited for her turn to celebrate the achievement with her fellow peers.
“I’m mostly excited to graduate, especially with all my classmates that I've had for like my Grades 10 and 11. They're also nice, and like, it's just such a great classroom to be a part of. Everyone's so funny, and we're like, we're all like lighthearted and stuff like that.
