‘Have come a long way’: Cornwall Alternative School hosts first graduating class ever

Cornwall Alternative School celebrates its first Grade 12 grads in 53 years marking a major milestone. Mick Favel has the story.

Cornwall Alternative School is celebrating a major milestone after graduating a Grade 12 class for the first time.

Angelina Peigan is one of the two graduates from this year’s class, something she is proud to be a part of.

“We have come a long way. I am just so happy that I get to graduate here and share this experience and live in this moment,” she said.

Since 1972, Cornwall Alternative School has been offering elementary and high school classes for students looking to get back on track.

• Cornwall Alternative School now offering Grade 12

A common want from past students was to someday have the option of staying at Cornwall Alternative and graduating.

“[Cornwall Alternative] got me through so many milestones. A lot of tough bridges. It’s been nice to finish my year here,” said Asia Mills Daniels, another Grade 12 graduate.

An objective of the school is to create a positive and supportive learning environment for those in the program.

Students are referred and must meet criteria of extreme challenges in attendance, behaviour, and academic success.

During Mills Daniels’ first year at Cornwall Alternative, her mother died. She said the school was supportive during this critical time.

“They acted like parents. They have such a deep heart and are more meaning to kids than I ever thought they would,” she said.

The buildup to the first graduating class has been happening since the first day of school.

The possibility of graduating from Cornwall Alternative has altered the thinking of the student body positively.