Cornwall Alternative School will be graduating a Grade 12 class for the first time in the institution’s history. For over 50 years, the school has been helping at-risk youth in Regina obtain an education. For many years, Grades 7-10 were only offered, with Grade 11 classes being added last year. Now the school has the qualifications to grant a Grade 12 education. “Now we are going to get to see students graduate and succeed. We are going to be a part of that,” said Bryan Rice, the principal of Cornwall Alternative School. Cornwall Alternative School specializes in working with students facing unique challenges. Historically, the school has worked as a transitional program, making it a stop for students on their academic journeys. Many students at Cornwall Alternative School are excited to have the opportunity to stay and finish high school where they are. “You have kids who are now believing and all the talk has shifted,” said Jaimie Deobald, a Grade 11 teacher at Cornwall Alternative School. “It’s not if we aren’t going to graduate, it’s when are we going to graduate. When am I going to finish,” she concluded. Students at the school come from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own needs. A unique environment has been created where everyone has the ability to achieve. “It feels more like a family than a school. It’s a good community to be around,” said Gracie Peik, a Grade 11 student at Cornwall Alternative School. Jack Strong is now in his second year at the Cornwall Alternative School, which he said has greatly impacted his life. “My family has noticed that I have made a huge difference in behaviour, grades and overall mental health since I came here,” he said. The Grade 12 diploma the school will grant will be the standard Grade 12 being given across the province. For the second year in a row, Cornwall Alternative School has been selected as one of the top 100 charities in Canada by Charity Intelligence Canada. The school is one of three charities in all of Saskatchewan on the list. Rice said the school plans to continue excelling for many years to come. “We want to be that high performing school for at-risk youth. We want to exceed expectations,” he said.
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