At École Réal-Bérard, graduation is always a big deal, but this year, it means even more for the 11 students walking across the stage.
The graduating class of 2025 might be small, but what they lack in numbers, they more than make up for in strength, heart, and hope for the future.
Class of 2025 Valedictorians
Sophie Nayet and Raphaël Attaline let their names stand to represent their fellow graduates this year. Unlike many schools where academic rankings determine who speaks, this close-knit group chose a different route.
“We’re only 11 graduates, so we’ve all known each other really well for a long time,” said Sophie. “It was kind of self-appointed. Everyone just kind of agreed that we were the ones most comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.”
For Raphaël, the opportunity to speak felt meaningful.
“It’s kind of an honour to put the last ribbon on the end of 12 years of school,” he said. “We’ve all been together for years, and it felt right to speak on behalf of everything we’ve gone through.”
Looking back, both valedictorians reflected on what made their time at École Réal-Bérard special.
“I used to think I wasn’t good at school,” Sophie shared. “But this school gave me a space where I could fail and still learn. I had teachers who believed in me, and now I’m confident going into university, even in the hard classes I used to be scared of.”
Sophie says, after graduation, she plans on continuing her education in medicine, with a focus on mental health.
“I want to work with people during the worst moments of their lives and be that person who helps them through it. Maybe psychiatry. I’m open to where it goes, but I know I want to help people.”
Raphaël is heading in a different direction, but with just as much passion.
“I’m going to the University of Ottawa for public administration and political science,” he said. “Eventually, I want to go to law school. I think politics is a place where you can really make an impact. If something’s not right, it’s up to us to stand up and try to fix it.”
He also spoke about how his time in the French school system shaped who he is.
“I didn’t realize until high school how lucky we are to grow up in a Francophone school in Manitoba. My teachers really encouraged me to get involved, to appreciate our culture, and that’s stayed with me.”
What do the valedictorians wish to encourage their classmates with?
“Believe in yourself,” Sophie said. “There’s always going to be someone louder or more confident, but if you stay grounded in your values, everything you’re working for will pay off.”
“Have passion and ambition,” Raphaël added. “We’re all going different directions after this, university, trades, work, but what matters is that you go all-in on what you love.”
Resliance
Principal France Bouchard says their students have been through a lot over the last while, especially the pandemic years, which were ones that reshaped this graduating class.
“Resilience. That’s the word I’d use to describe this class,” Bouchard said. “They started as a group of 30-plus students back in Grade 9. Then COVID hit, online learning started, and it was hard. But the 11 that are graduating today, they made it through. And not just that, they came back this year determined to finish strong.”
He shared how proud he is, not only of their academic and extracurricular achievements, but of who they’ve become.
“Some came back focused on trades, others on academics, sports, arts, like Sophie, who even painted a beautiful mural in the school. They really left a mark.”
Principal Bouchard will also present a special award at graduation, a tradition tied to the school’s namesake, Real Bérard, a celebrated local artist.
“Each year, he donates an original painting to the school. We give it to a graduate who has deep French roots, strong academic marks, and is committed to our community. Someone who truly reflects our values.”
Words for graduates
As the class of 2025 prepares to take their next steps, Bouchard offered one last message of encouragement:
“Follow your dreams. You’ve already been through so much, and that’s what makes you ready for anything. Who knows, maybe Raphaël will be a future prime minister, or Sophie a chief of medicine. What matters is that you believe in yourselves and keep moving forward.”
And to cap off the event, the valedictorian speech, a moment Principal Bouchard calls “a highlight.”
“That speech is the spirit of the class. It reflects their journey, their struggles, and their growth. It’s not just about goodbye, it’s about unity, gratitude, and hope. This year, it’s about resilience.”
From a class that started with uncertainty and ended with pride, École Réal-Bérard’s grads of 2025 are ready to face the future, and they’re taking all of St. Pierre-Jolys’ hopes with them.
Graduation day is on Monday, June 23, at the St Pierre Bible Fellowship Church.