Skip to content

Grads on parade again on Saturday

Class of 2022 set to celebrate in town before heading to prom
29296870_web1_220602-CHC-Grad-parade-stuff_2
Sebastian Guzman Leal and Sam Phelps at Waterwheel Park where the Chemainus Secondary School grad parade and red carpet walk will take place Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Everyone loves a parade.

And the Chemainus Secondary School prom parade and red carpet walk is a traditional town favourite that will be making its return Saturday, June 4 amid much fanfare after a two-year hiatus.

It’s all part of the lead-up to some normalcy for grads again that includes the Class of 2022 ceremony on June 17.

Related story: Chemainus Secondary grads on parade

The prom parade lineup takes place along Croft Street from 3-3:30 p.m. The parade commences from there onto Alder Street and then along Willow Street where the bulk of the crowd of well-wishers will be assembled.

Students will be whisked along the parade route in vehicles or choose to walk.

Grad Sebastian Guzman Leal will be going on foot, all the better to showcase his attire. “I think it’s just more fitting to walk it,” he said.

Sam Phelps will be in heels so walking didn’t seem like the best option. “Me and my friend are going to take an old Chevy truck,” she said.

Vehicles of all shapes, sizes and vintages have long been the norm in the parade. And there’s always something unexpected from every class if past parades are any indication, with such things as large farm vehicles making appearances.

After the parade, students will line up at the bottom of Waterwheel Park and walk up the red carpet, as their names are announced.

The students are obviously really looking forward to the public recognition that comes with the territory. “The community here is so engaged with the school,” said Saltair resident Guzman Leal.

Following the festivities, students will be transported by private vehicle to their prom site for the evening.

Class members like Guzman Leal and Phelps know the timing for the Class of 2022 is fortunate considering what happened to the 2020 and 2021 classes during COVID.

“We weren’t fully sure if we’d have a prom,” said Chemainus resident Phelps. “It’s pretty exciting to get to see everybody’s faces for the end of the year.”

“I’m very happy we get this prom,” enthused Guzman Leal. “I’m very grateful it is what it is. I’m totally stoked we actually get to do stuff. I think it’s so nice we get to hang out that one last time.”

It’s also just been announced Guzman Leal will be the valedictorian for the class so he has another reason to be stoked.

The easing of restrictions from COVID came at just the right time to allow for preparations to proceed for grad festivities this year.

Guzman Leal and Phelps will always look back at their high school years fondly, even if it was a bit tumultuous from the start of COVID interventions in March of 2020 when they were in the latter stages of Grade 10 until the present as they complete Grade 12.

The bouncing around between online learning out of the classroom and in-person again back in the classroom made it all seem strange.

“It always feels like I missed out on a little bit of high school,” conceded Guzman Leal.

As changes came in Grade 11, “it was better,” noted Phelps. “We were at least in the classroom. It was a lot different having to wear a mask all the time.”

“I find it so much better not wearing a mask now,” Guzman Leal indicated.

But it’s all behind them now and they’re ready to celebrate the accomplishments of their school years and the camaraderie with their classmates, even though the time seems to have gone by fast.

“It really feels like I blinked my eye and we’re here,” Phelps declared.

With those school years from ages four to 18 almost heading into the rear view mirror and prompting significant changes in their lives, “it’s weird to think about it being something else,” said Guzman Leal.

The class bond will always be there, Phelps summed up. “We all know who each other is and we’re all willing to help each other out in some way.”


@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

29296870_web1_220602-CHC-Grad-parade-stuff_3
Chemainus Secondary School grads Sam Phelps and Sebastian Guzman Leal are excited about joining their classmates at Waterwheel Park for Saturday’s grad parade and red carpet walk. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
Read more