Prince George Secondary School (PGSS) celebrated its graduates on Friday, June 6 at the CN Centre.
More than 270 grads filled the stadium, joined by nearly 1,000 family members, friends, supporters, and guardians in the stands.
The grads were welcomed by Elder Phyllis Seymour, who shared this message with the graduates:
“As you step into what comes next, keep your heart strong, your spirit kind, and your teachings close,” said Seymour. “Walk proudly, speak with care, and always remember the people and places that shaped you. And to all the parents, grandparents, and families, congratulations for being the backbone of each and every graduate. Today, we celebrate this milestone together.”
Erica McLean, a trustee with School District 57, also addressed the grads, encouraging them to reflect on the challenges they overcame to get to this point.
“Today, I hope you celebrate yourself, remembering all the times you’ve been uncomfortable, scared, or unsure, but you kept showing up,” said McLean. “I know the challenges won’t go away — they may get bigger and more complex. But I hope you’ll look back and remember the joyful moments, the scary moments, the difficult moments, and the funny ones. I hope these memories remind you that you have everything within you to thrive at the next stage of your life.”
Before crossing the stage, grads heard from two valedictorians: Marcus Aksidan and Newsha Novinchehr.
Aksidan spoke about the importance of his family’s lived experiences.
“As Indigenous people, we carry with us a wealth of wisdom that goes beyond what can be found in textbooks,” said Aksidan. “Our experiences — the joys and the struggles — shape us in ways that conventional knowledge cannot. Many of us have faced challenges unique to our communities, but we emerge strong. I stand here not just as a student, but as a reflection of that strength, a testament to the invaluable lessons learned from my family.”
Aksidan hopes to move to Vancouver after graduation to pursue further education and new opportunities.
Novinchehr, the second valedictorian, spoke about the challenges of attending school during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience of their graduating class.
“We began high school in the midst of COVID, during a time characterized by cohorts, masks, and social distancing. This period tested our adaptability, and while it was extremely challenging, it ultimately strengthened the bond we share as a graduating class,” she said. “Today, we leave with invaluable friendships forged over these five years. In the end, it’s not the classrooms, exams, or sports games we’ll remember — it’s the people, the friends, the teachers who shaped us, and the ones we lost along the way.”
Novinchehr will be attending the University of British Columbia this fall to pursue a bachelor of arts and a master’s in management.
Following the speeches, the graduates walked across the stage to receive their certificates and awards. Family members and supporters cheered and celebrated, filling the stadium with shouts, well wishes, and air horns.
Among the attendees was Grade 8 teacher Juliet Branco, who gave graduating students letters they had written to themselves four years ago.
“When my Grade 8 students enter high school, it’s a transitional year for them, so I have them write a letter to their Grade 12 selves as a way for me to assess their writing,” Branco explained. “It’s also a memory for them. They talk about their fears, hopes, and goals for Grade 12. Then, I hand the letters back when they graduate, which helps me connect with them.”
Branco told The Citizen that most students don’t expect her to remember them, but the letters always provide joy and perspective for both the students and herself.
Grads were also presented with dozens of bursaries, scholarships, and awards that showcased the talent and skill of the PGSS graduating class.
The following valedictory awards were presented:
- Ainsley Smith: Lawson Oliver Fandrey Memorial Award
- Sofia Carpino: Vince Truant Striving for Excellence Memorial Scholarship
- Estera Kawelska: Academic Excellence Award
- Elya Foreman: Polar Academic Award
- Mei Kumada and Ty Hamilton: Citizenship Award
- Azalia Zwiers: Outstanding Graduate Award
Principal Randy Halpape closed the ceremony with a message to the graduates, before the stadium erupted in cheers, laughter, and music as the grads tossed their hats into the air to mark the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The Citizen spoke with Halpape about the impact these graduates will have on Prince George following their departure.
“We have close to 1,400 students, and I think these grads represent what our students mean to this community,” said Halpape. “They do so much in our school and in our community. This celebration truly reflects how great this student body is.”
Halpape also acknowledged the role of parents and supporters, emphasizing that the graduates’ success would not have been possible without their support.
“I’m incredibly proud of these grads and their accomplishments, both present and future,” he said.
