The BC Government is throwing a virtual end-of-school graduation and celebration for the grade 12 graduates, along with kindergarten to Grade 11 students, in the province.
“I know this is not how graduates expected to celebrate their achievements, but that doesn’t diminish the occasion,” said Premier John Horgan. “Their parents, teachers and all British Columbians are proud of them. After they leave school, the whole world is there for them to explore. It will be a smaller world at first, but it will grow. As Dr. Bonnie Henry says, ‘It is for now, not forever.’ Congratulations to the class of 2020.”
The WE Celebrate: Class of 2020 event will showcase some of B.C.’s best-known singers, athletes and performers.
For the occasion, the government is joining forces with the WE Celebrate: Class of 2020 event that will air at 10 a.m. on May 26 on WE’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
British Columbia is a proud partner of the WE Celebrate: Class of 2020 event that will air at 10 a.m. (Pacific time) on May 26 on WE’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The event will feature some of B.C.’s best-known singers, athletes and performers, according to the government. In addition, there will be valedictorian addresses, “one-of-a-kind performances” and surprises to celebrate students and educators who have been “making a difference throughout the school year” and in their communities amid COVID-19.
“Throughout this pandemic, our B.C. graduates have found new and innovative ways to make positive change in their communities, all while showing tremendous resilience, determination and patience,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, in a statement. “I’m so proud of B.C. grads. This may not be the way they envisioned marking this important occasion, but if ever there was a class that deserves a star-studded celebration like this, it’s the class of 2020.”
In a press release, the BC government highlighted the ceremony is part of a week-long virtual road trip making online stops in the Prairies, Ontario, the East Coast, and Quebec. The final stop, the biggest living room party of the school year, will air Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m.
“The class of 2020 will be remembered in the history books. My heart goes out to the Grade 12 students who have had their graduation plans so unexpectedly interrupted. This may not be the grad that you had planned on, but hopefully this virtual celebration will be a small step in recognizing your hard work and your accomplishment,” said Stephanie Higginson, president, BC School Trustees Association.
The BC ceremony will also be celebrated with students from Northwest Territories.
“Now, more than ever, we need to draw strength from the care and compassion that young Canadians continue to show with their actions. During these uncertain times, it’s important that we remain dedicated to celebrating students and teachers who have made lasting impacts in both their local and global communities,” added Craig Kielburger, co-founder of WE.
“We are grateful to our partners for joining us along this journey and are deeply honoured to recognize the service achievements of young change-makers, while bringing closure to the academic year in a powerful way”
While many of the 2020 graduating class will be settling for virtual celebrations, the Sooke School District has announced students will get a chance to at least walk across the stage as part of physically-distanced ceremonies.
Graham Cox
