Excitement is brewing as students across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows receive their caps and gowns as they prepare for their graduation ceremonies.
More than 1,300 students will be recognized at one of multiple graduation ceremonies for each of the six secondary schools in SD42.
This number does not include graduates from Ridge Meadows College, Continuing Education, and the Connected Learning Community.
Students are also preparing for the big event at Maple Ridge Christian and Meadowridge School.
SD42 superintendent Teresa Downs noted that graduation is one of the most meaningful moments in public education.
“Reflecting the shared effort of students, families, staff, and community partners. Every graduate represents years of learning, encouragement, and perseverance,” she said.
This year SD42 will be awarding 110 district/authority scholarships, each worth $1,250, to graduating students.
Plus, there are around 30 centralized awards and scholarships totalling over $120,000, which will also be awarded.
Then, each individual secondary school community will have a varying number of school managed awards and scholarships as well, said school district spokesperson Irena Pochop.
In addition to the district awards, many students will also be receiving various community awards – whether they be local, provincial, national, or post-secondary institution specific, added Pochop.
“The Class of 2026 steps into a future unlike any that has come before – a future that is genuinely uncertain but also rich with possibility. We hope that this year’s graduates embrace the journey and move forward with optimism, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to one another and to their communities,” added Downs.
School board chair Elaine Yamamoto noted how proud the school district is to celebrate this year’s graduates, whom, she said, are moving on to a wide range of exciting next steps in their lives.
“It is a meaningful and exciting time as these young adults make important choices about their future paths,” said Yamamoto, thanking parents, guardians, and staff for the tremendous effort invested in organizing the graduation ceremonies, dinners, and dry grad celebrations to help ensure a safe and memorable graduation season.
Meanwhile, Maple Ridge Christian School is getting ready to celebrate 20 graduates this year, at a ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at Burnett Church.
“We are grateful for the talents and contributions of this graduating class, whether it be on the court, on the stage, in leadership roles, or in the classroom. They will be missed, but we know they will go on to do great things in their future endeavours,” said lead principal Quentin Flokstra, noting they will be announcing all scholarships at graduation.
Meadowridge School held their convocation ceremony on May 28.
There were 47 graduates, including 10 lifers – a term used to describe a student who spent their entire educational journey at Meadowridge – who crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Three graduates earned BC Ministry of Education District Authority Scholarships: Kiyana Sunderji for Community Service; Drake Wiggins for Technical and Trades Training: Robotics; and Lina Park for Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies: Media Arts.
In addition, two students received national-level scholarships:
• Angelia Sun was recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Queen’s University Chancellor’s Scholarship, valued at $48,000;
• and Drake Wiggins received the Schulich Leader Scholarship, valued between $100,000 and $120,000, making him Meadowridge School’s first-ever recipient of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarship.
Wiggins was also a recipient of the Meadowridge Head of School Bursary, which allowed him to attend Meadowridge from grade 9 to 12, with full tuition covered for four years.
In his address to the graduating class, Head of School Mr. Scott Banack spoke about the profound pride felt by teachers, staff, and families.
“Your academic legacy is impressive, no doubt, but your most significant contribution will not be what you achieved, but rather how you achieved it,” Banack told the graduates.
“It is evident to everyone here that the Class of 2026 is poised to make a meaningful difference in the world, leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose,” he said.