This year’s Grade 12s most certainly have a graduation story to tell their grandchildren. Grad ceremonies were very different this year with social distancing and restrictions on gathering sizes, due to COVID-19, resulting in the cancellation of all regular commencement ceremonies, grad dinners and dance celebrations.
Superintendent Gina Niccoli-Moen:
Our hearts ache for our graduates—we know that the Class of 2020 is courageous and resilient, as we have seen in all that they have accomplished in these past 13 years. And, without a doubt, they will make the best of everything.”
Organizers found creative ways to move ahead with alternate plans to make graduation special. A district-widevirtual ceremonywithspeeches, musical presentations, grad videos and more took place on June 22 forthe entireClass of 2020. Every graduate in the District was recognized.
In addition to pre-recorded elements contributed by each school for the virtual District Ceremony, every school also did something additional to celebrate. Examples include the graduating class coming in small groups in spaced out increments to allow for physical distancing, as well as the chance to cross the stage and also to take photosin fullgradregalia. While it was very different than previous years, people came together to make it memorable.
As our graduates looktoward the fall, many are celebrating significant scholarship wins. Almost$6.8million in scholarships has been awardedso farto Burnaby grads.Learn more.
Many of our graduates have been featured in the media. Visit our In the News web page to read more.
Posted June 2020