Skip to content

Grad ceremony proceeds, with a twist

Red carpet outside works out well for Chemainus Secondary’s Class of 2021
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_2
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Nina Bumstead. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The audience was much smaller and the venue quite different, but Chemainus Secondary School students in the Class of 2021 still had their time in the spotlight Friday.

The school arranged a schedule for students to drive up with their families during the afternoon and then get photos. A makeshift outdoor carpet was set up for the students to walk across to simulate what would have happened if they were on stage in the gym during a normal graduation ceremony.

The plan worked out extremely well and it was a beautiful day outside.

Vice principal Jennie Hittinger still read descriptions on the students as they made their way along the red carpet to receive congratulations from principal Lori Hyryniuk. Hittinger announced the total scholarship and bursary money each student won and what their plans were for the future.

Families were happy to still have a part in the ceremony and some decorated their cars with balloons attached to make the event even more celebratory.

Related story: Prom night brings some semblance of normalcy for 2021 Chemainus grads

The previous day, a ceremony was held in the school’s multipurpose room for grads and staff only, and a video was recorded for families to view. That’s when Chayla Pollock delivered her valedictory speech to classmates. A barbecue catered lunch and fun activities were held outside in the afternoon.

25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_3
Lynette and Norm Bumstead with 2021 Chemainus Secondary School graduate Nina Bumstead. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_4
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Kaige Hyggen. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_5
Chemainus Secondary School vice principal Jennie Hittinger at the podium. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_6
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate and valedictorian Chayla Pollock with principal Lori Hryniuk. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_7
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate and valedictorian Chayla Pollock receives her certificate. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_8
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate and valedictorian Chayla Pollock with vice principal Jennie Hittinger. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_9
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate and valedictorian Chayla Pollock with parents Dean and Carla Pollock. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_10
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Camille Storteboom walks along the makeshift stage outside to receive her graduation certificate. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_11
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Camille Storteboom with principal Lori Hryniuk. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_12
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Camille Storteboom with mom Kathleen. Camille received $4,950 in scholarships and bursaries. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_13
The Knowles family entourage is next in the decorated vehicle line-up for the drive-up grad at Chemainus Secondary School. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_14
Chemainus Secondary School vice principal Jennie Hittinger speaks a bit about each graduate at Friday’s ceremony. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_15
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Joey Knowles walks the makeshift outdoor stage to receive her certificate. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_16
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Joey Knowles shares a laugh with principal Lori Hryniuk. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_17
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Joey Knowles receives her certificate. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_18
Lynette and Norm Bumstead with Nina Bumstead from the graduating class. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_19
Decorated Knowles family car pulls out after Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Joey Knowles’ drive-in event for grad. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_20
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Melvin Jack prepares to walk across the makeshift outdoor stage to receive his certificate. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_21
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Melvin Jack receives his grad certificate from principal Lori Hryniuk. (Photo by Don Bodger)
25574639_web1_210624-CHC-Graduation-ceremony-happens_22
Chemainus Secondary School 2021 graduate Melvin Jack Jr. the third with parents Georgia Jack and Melvin Jack Jr. the second. (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