BY WENDY ELLIOTT

Kings County Register

June 12, Mark Parent urged the 421 students graduating from Kingstec to consider the world in 2020.

Speaking at the ceremony, the environment minister spoke about the interconnectedness of the world and stated a healthy, sustainable environment is absolutely critical.

“As young professionals and young Nova Scotians, help us reach our goals,” he said. Parent called on the graduates to see challenge as opportunity, and to hold government leaders accountable and transparent.

“It's our environment, but it's your future. That's the most precious gift we have.”

There was an abundance of joy expended during the Kingstec convocation, and several awards presented. Shane H. Lynch of Kentville rolled across the stage at Acadia University's Convocation Hall to receive his accounting diploma.

Crystal French of Middleton, in the same business administration program, won the Governor General's Medal. Sarah Tamlyn of Kingston took the NSCC gold medal home.

Holly Rand of New Minas, who got her diploma in educational support, received the Board of Governors Award; Lorraine Higgins of Centreville, who graduated in office information technology, won the President's Award.

Early Childhood Studies graduate Melanie Reimer Smiley of Canning was the first graduate at Kingstec to complete her diploma through on-line and part-time studies.

Nick Crowe, who completed the machinist program, won a silver medal at the provincial skills competition.

The human services/ addictions counseling class had the unique experience of compiling, editing and contributing to a book that was published. Each graduate received a copy at convocation.