BC government throwing end-of-school celebration for students

May 25 2020, 7:06 pm

British Columbia’s 61,000 Grade 12 graduates, along with kindergarten to Grade 11 students, will be the guests of honour at a special virtual graduation and end-of-school celebration, the provincial government announced Monday.

“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.”

As part of the occasion, the province has announced its partnership with the WE Celebrate: Class of 2020 event that will air at 10 am on May 26 on WE’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

According to organizers, the event, which is also being celebrated with students in the Northwest Territories, will feature a “star-studded lineup” delivering Canada’s 2020 valedictorian addresses, “one-of-a-kind performances, and heartfelt surprises” to celebrate students and educators who have been making a difference throughout the school year and who continue to step up to support their communities during COVID-19.

“Throughout this pandemic, our BC graduates have found new and innovative ways to make positive change in their communities, all while showing tremendous resilience, determination and patience,” said BC Education Minister Rob Fleming. “If ever there was a class that deserves a star-studded celebration like this, it’s the class of 2020.”

This 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 pm.

“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, said WE co-founder Craig Kielburger. “Now, more than ever, we need to draw strength from the care and compassion that young Canadians continue to show with their actions.”

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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