Grade 12 students from Summerland Secondary School received their high school diplomas, awards and bursaries at the school leaving exercises on Friday.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Summerland Arena, with 100 students graduating.
“You’re surrounded by all the important people in your life,” Principal Alan Stel told the students. “Cherish these memories and these friendships.”
Tarie Rempel, a certified teacher assistant who runs the school cafeteria, was the guest speaker.
“I love you, but get out,” she told the graduates, repeating a phrase she has used many times over the years.
She added that the graduating students have received plenty of support from the community over the years.
“And look at them now. They turned out amazing,” she said.
Valedictorians Claire Kenzie and Ethan Freistadt reflected on their experiences during high school.
“It was nothing like High School Musical,” Freistadt said, remembering the changes and adjustments over the years, and the decisions the students had to make during their final year.
“This year has gone by so fast,” Kenzie added.
While the graduation ceremony marked their high school achievements, it also signifies a transition, Freistadt said.
“We won’t be seeing each other every day anymore,” Freidstadt said. “It’s sad to think this is the last time we will see ourselves as a collective.”
Kezie said the next two months will be an opportunity for the graduating students to spend time together as a class.
The graduates had a dry grad event following their graduation exercises, including a whitewater rafting trip in Lytton.
In September, many will attend college or university away from the community, or will spend time travelling.
The graduating students received bursaries from numerous community groups and organizations.
This year, around $120,000 in bursary funding was presented to the students.
In addition, some of the students have received scholarship offers from colleges and universities, with some coming to tens of thousands of dollars.
