The graduating class of 2026 at École Pointe-des-Chênes is hoping the community will help turn empty cans and bottles into lasting graduation memories this weekend.
Students are hosting a bottle drive fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, with drop-off locations set up at Dericka’s Restaurant in Richer, École Pointe-des-Chênes in Ste. Anne, and the Sainte-Geneviève General Store.
“The profits are going towards our dinner tickets for the grad event,” says grad committee member Paige Hudon.
The students say the timing after the May long weekend made the fundraiser an easy choice.
“We figured after May long weekend and all the summer warmth, it would be a good event and there’d be a lot of cans to go around,” jokes grad committee member Colbie Freynet.
The bottle drive is the latest in a long list of successful fundraising efforts organized by the small but determined graduating class. The group has already hosted wing nights, bake sales, and a casino night that raised more than $7,000 in profit.
“Our events have been really successful because we have really good support,” Hudon says. “All of our families are really involved.”
A class shaped by small-town connections
The graduating class consists of 18 students, many of whom have been together since kindergarten. As classmates left for other schools over the years, the students say the smaller group grew closer.
“In elementary school we all had our little cliques,” notes Hudon. “But once we got into high school and some students left, we became more like one big friend group. We all get along.”
For many students, graduation still feels surreal as the milestone approaches.
“I don’t think it’s really hit any of us yet,” says fellow graduate and committee member Danika Vermette. “I think it’s going to hit us when we’re walking into the church or at the grad party.”
Students say there is a mix of nerves and excitement as they prepare for life after high school and more independence.
“Our whole lives have kind of been supported by our parents, and now it’s going to be more about figuring things out for ourselves,” says Vermette.
Graduate Colbie Freynet says the shift feels even more drastic for students coming from a small rural community.
“I think I’m most excited to just like see what the world has to offer outside of this small town that we’ve just been raised in and stayed in for so long,” says Freynet.
Hard work and school spirit
Students say many in their graduating class are already balancing jobs alongside school while preparing for futures in trades, healthcare, and post-secondary education.
“We’ll most be remembered for how hardworking we are and our independence,” says Samantha Desrochers. “We all kind of have our own drive for what we do.”
Beyond academics and work, students say their class will also be remembered for its strong school spirit, with classmates known for getting fully involved in events and spirit days, including going all out for themed school celebrations.
A group effort
Karley Boxall, a parent of one of the graduates and a grad committee member, says the planning effort has been a true community project.
“It’s a great group. Everybody just wants to support everybody.”
The committee includes four parents and five students, all women, while the boys in the graduating class have happily taken direction when needed.
“They just said, ‘Give us a date and time and we’ll be there,’” says Boxall with a laugh.
For Boxall, graduation will be a chance for students, families, and the community to celebrate together after months of planning and fundraising.
“We’ve put a lot of hard work into the planning of it,” she says. “I can’t wait until everybody can just let loose, have fun, and celebrate together.”
Fundraiser details
The École Pointe-des-Chênes bottle drive takes place Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Residents can also arrange pickup by texting 204-905-3056.
The graduates are accepting uncrushed cans, glass bottles, king cans, twisted tea cans made with malt, and non-American beer cans.
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