After spending the past four years as the only student in her class, Amy Saunders is set to graduate from École Desrochers this June.

“It’s been hard, but it’s definitely been worth it,” said Saunders. “I’ve definitely learned to be independent.”

The 17-year-old Saunders said obtaining a bilingual diploma has been her drive through days where it would have been easier to switch schools. The fact that she has French Canadian ancestry and wished to learn more about her culture also played a factor.

“I’m really happy I stuck with it,” Saunders said.

“This is a huge accomplishment for Amy. She’s been on her own for four years,” said teacher Kim Wallace. “Especially at a time when social life is a big draw, her choice to stay here and learn more about her culture showed a lot of maturity.”

As a student at a small school, social life has been a challenge, Saunders said. While there is some co-operation between École Desrochers and Jasper Jr./Sr. High school in terms of shared facilities, it doesn’t extend to school teams and some social events. 

“It was hard, but I accepted school is for learning, not for socializing,” Saunders said. 

Operating out of the side Royal Canadian Legion and a collection of portables, the school must often rent space from the municipality and Jasper Jr./Sr. High School to provide certain subjects. 

Jasper Jr./Sr. High school provides French Immersion classes, and some students have switched over the years, however Saunders said she’s happy she stayed in her current school.

There were other opportunities afforded to Saunders because of the the school.

Saunders had the chance to travel to Quebec City, Montreal, France and Switzerland during the past four years, and has very good relationships with her teachers.

“If I had a question, they were right there,” Saunders said.

She also has four different teachers this semester, and many friends at Jasper Jr./Sr. High school, so she has been able to take many of the classes she needs to graduate. While she doesn’t have classmates to help her with homework, she said her teachers have been more than helpful.

École Desrochers and Jasper Jr./Sr. High School will not be combining its graduation ceremony this year, but Saunders said she still plans to celebrate at Jasper Park Lodge. She will also have a ceremony at the Lutheren Church, which will included friends and family.

École Desrochers is slated to have one graduating student in 2011 as well, which Saunders says will be difficult.

“I hope someone moves into the community,” Saunders said.

She is still trying to decide what to do after graduation, however travel and college or university will factor into those plans. Armed with a bilingual diploma, she will have a head start for several government jobs, she hopes.

“Something amazing will come along,” she said.