Final day, final graduate as Conche's Sacred Heart school closes forever

It could have been a somewhat lonely, bittersweet ceremony, but the only Grade 12 student at Sacred Heart All Grade in Conche says her graduation was packed with people seeing her off to future success, and to consign the town's school to the history books.

"It was really nice.Ihad quite a few people show up, so it definitely made you feel special," 18-year-old Alana Symmonds said of her graduation, whichshe said had "the same amount of fuss" as if the stage had been filled with other students.

It was the third year in a row the school has had only one graduate.

Symmond's ceremony included a church service, speeches, a slide show and communal supper, with more people than normal turning out.

"It's nice to know that so many people try to be involved in your graduation because you were the last student to graduate. But at the same time it's sad, knowing you're the last one ever going to go through the school."

'A few tears'

The Northern Peninsula school is one of five in Newfoundland and Labrador closing for good at the end of the school year, a decision made in April by the province's Englishschool board.

• 5 schools closed by English School District

Thursday marked the last day of classes in Conche.

"Ithink there's going tobe a fewtears today, definitely from our teachers," said Symmonds as the day began, adding support staff like the custodian have been there since she started school.

"Everybody is pretty close knit at the school. You've seen all the younger children grow up ever since they came into the school system, and all the people around your age, you've been together for 10,11,12 years, so everyone is really close."

While the school is no more, Symmonds has a bright future: she's headed to Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook this fall to pursue a nursing degree.

"I'm really excited."