(Fort McMurray, AB - May 31st, 2023) On May 25th, Fort McMurray Public Schools recognized and celebrated First Nations, Metis and Inuit graduates at the 26th annual Traditional Celebration of Achievement (TCOA). The TCOA is an annual event celebrating the graduating accomplishments of grade 12 First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in the Wood Buffalo Region. Since its beginning in 1998 with 11 graduates, TCOA has grown in size and importance. The graduates from Fort McMurray Public School Division, Fort McMurray Catholic School Division, Northlands School Division and Parkland School Division are all honoured at this celebration; this year’s TCOA recognized 32 graduating FMPSD students.
Thanks to the generous support from local corporate partners, the four school boards (Public, Catholic Parkland and Northland), Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC), and our Metis Local 1935, TCOA is a culmination of academic and community support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, incorporating traditional cultural elements alongside congratulations from loved ones and leaders.
The TCOA continues to be an event to behold for FMPSD Superintendent Annalee Nutter.
“TCOA is truly an emotional event for me because it highlights the culture of the students and their families. Seeing everyone in their ribbon shirts, skirts and Métis sashes and showing such pride is heartwarming. We are proud of the efforts they have shown and that we get to be a part of their celebration. Personally for me, as a former principal of Greely Road School and Walter & Gladys Hill, I was extra proud to see those students walk across the stage.”
Congratulations to our honourable First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates of 2023:
Composite High School
Xander Aikman Riley Earles Joshua Houle
Alexandria Hiscock-Karamujic Braden Mattson Andre Metacat-Yah
Brody Seaman Mason Vogt-Begue
École McTavish Public High School
Alicia Bourassa Ashten Bradley Sabrina Crewe
Hunter Deranger-Quintal Alyssa Elliott Kyra Hawkins
Samantha Hiscock Emma Jensen Jeremiah Lamouche
Navaeh McIsaac Hailey Power Christopher Reid
Ava Romanchuk Carter Roussin Drew Starr
Keiran Watson Noel Watson Olivia Woods
Frank Spragins High School
Jayme Butt Katherine Metacat-Yah Autum Pruden Ella Ryan
Westwood Community High School
Paulina Kuznetsov Archer Thunder
Congratulations again on this significant milestone!
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca