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.
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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.