Grade 12 students at Revelstoke Secondary School presented their graduation plans to a group of community members during grad transitions. (Google Maps)

Grade 12 students at Revelstoke Secondary School presented their graduation plans to a group of community members during grad transitions. (Google Maps)

EDITORIAL: Bright future for RSS grads

The future looks bright for Revelstoke Secondary School students.

The future looks bright for Revelstoke Secondary School students.

Faced with graduation, students in B.C. are required to complete a “Grad Transition Presentation.” They put together a plan for post-high school life, including work or volunteer experience, healthy lifestyles, a resume and cover letter, future goals and financial planning.

Last week, I joined a crew of local volunteers to sit on panels and listen to a few of the grads present.

In an upstairs classroom, my panel waited on our first student. A little jittery at first, they soon eased into the presentation, highlighting their skills and development and their plans – A and B – for life after RSS.

In between presentations, vice-principal Jodi Wallach gathers our comments on a sheet of paper.

She says a few of the students have been sick with nerves ahead of their presentation.

I remember when I was preparing for graduation in Alberta, the idea of planning my “adult” life was slightly frightening. The idea of presenting my could-be plans to a group of community members would have me frozen in place.

The six-year graduation rates in B.C. were released this month. The rate is going up. Locally, in 2015/16, there was a 92 per cent success rate in the six-year completion rate.

After listening to a few of the students present, I’m excited for their plans for after school.

Revelstoke’s 2018 graduating class is an inspiring group. I can’t wait to see where they go next.

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