Fort Frances High School Students Graduate

The class of 2009 was celebrated last night.

180 students from Fort Frances High School received Secondary School diplomas at commencement ceremonies held at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Comparing their high school years to his favourite hockey team, principal Gord McCabe offered his congratulations to the graduates.

"Tonight when you walk across that stage and receive the diploma you worked so hard to earn, I would equate to receiving you diploma to winning the Stanley Cup," said McCabe. "Like the Montreal Canadians, don't settle for just one Stanley Cup. You and your teammates, you need to create a dynasty."

Jamie Petrin and Cody Caul were this year's valedictorians.

More than one hundred awards and scholarships were also announced to the hundreds of parents, friends and family members who attended the festivities. The students later celebrated throughout the night at the traditional all-night Chem-Free Grad party held at the 52 Canadians Arena.

This was the tenth graduating class since the high school was reconstructed in the town's west end in 1999.