It's graduation season and thousands of students across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are celebrating their accomplishments as they move onto new chapters in their lives.
In SD42 there are between 1,300 to 1,350 graduates this year.
Ceremonies began on Wednesday, June 4, with Thomas Haney Secondary at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver; Maple Ridge Secondary convocation took place Friday, June 6 at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Surrey; Garibaldi Senior Secondary convocation took place Monday, June 9, at Chandos in Surrey, and Westview Senior Secondary took place Tuesday, June 10, also at Chandos in Surrey.
At Riverside Centre, students of the ReConnex program had their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 12.
Upcoming is convocation for graduates of Samuel Robertson Technical on Tuesday, June 17, at Chandos in Surrey. The Continuing Education program will have theirs on Thursday, June 19, at Riverside Centre; students of the Connex program on Sunday, June 22, at The ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge; Pitt Meadows Secondary on Tuesday, June 24, at Chandos in Surrey; and Ridge Meadows College on Wednesday, June 25, at Riverside Centre.
Superintendent of SD42 Teresa Downs congratulated the graduates on their remarkable milestone in their educational journey.
Downs noted that the Class of 2025 is graduating at a pivotal moment with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshaping the world.
"The adaptability and critical thinking you have developed have prepared you uniquely for this future. You possess something no algorithm can replicate: human creativity, empathy, and the ability to ask meaningful questions that drive progress," said Downs addressing this year's graduates.
"As you step forward into this dynamic landscape, carry with you the curiosity that has brought you this far, the confidence to embrace new challenges, and the wisdom to use technology as a tool for positive change. The world needs graduates who can not only adapt to innovation but who can guide it thoughtfully and ethically," she said, thanking them for allowing the district to be a part of their journey
"As you begin this new chapter, remember that while the tools of tomorrow may be different, your capacity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference remains your greatest asset."
A total of 25 students will be graduating from Maple Ridge Christian School. Convocation will be taking place on Wednesday, June 25, at Burnett Church in Maple Ridge.
"We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have accomplished. Their hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought them to this exciting milestone. From pursuing opportunities across the UK, to Halifax, and even right here at home, they are spreading their wings and stepping into the future with courage and purpose," said lead principal Quentin Flokstra.
This year's graduating class had a truly unique high school journey, noted Flokstra. From navigating the challenges of the COVID years, to being the last Grade 8 class that was part of the high school program – all new Grade 8 classes are now part of the middle school program.
And, most recently, added Flokstra, the school moved into a brand-new building this past April.
"They’ve experienced a great deal of change. Through it all, they’ve shown resilience, adaptability, and growth," said Flokstra.
"As they go out into the world, we are excited to see them become agents of change for God—living out His story in whatever path they choose. We pray they continue to grow in faith, wisdom, and love, and we wish them every blessing in the journey ahead," added the lead principal.
Meadowridge School has 59 graduates this year and their convocation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 29, at the school.
“The Class of 2025 is graduating from one of the most rigorous academic programs in the world. Throughout their journey with us at Meadowridge, they have exhibited courage, intelligence, and kindness. They are all going on to prestigious schools nationally and internationally and, most importantly, to make a positive impact in our world," said head of school Scott Banack.
"We are proud of what they have achieved, and despite knowing change is the only certainty, we are confident that these young people are prepared not only to meet the future but also to create it,” said Banack.
