It was a “day of different emotions" as 183 high-school students bid adieu to an era on Monday, October 17. 

College marketing director Jean Christie said there was a great sense of occasion with the debut of the college’s new hall, proceeding its official opening in November.  

“It’s been pretty emotional,” she said. “The captains gave pretty moving speeches and there was just a really good feeling in the hall.”

She said the students thanked the teachers for their support through the years. 

School captain Isabella Mahoney-O’Donnell said a six-year chapter was closing, bringing with it a “mixed bag of thoughts and feelings”. 

“A lot of people are wondering what’s next,” she said. “But there’s huge excitement too.”

Captain Joey Brady said even though the exams were still to come, there was a feeling of relief among the class of 2016.

“It’s over,” he said. 

Both captains have applied to universities and join a high percentage of students at Emmanuel College intending to pursue tertiary studies.