Ste Anne Collegiate graduates are ready to celebrate after already receiving their diplomas last week.

Principal Yvan St Vincent explains the precaution was taken to ensure distancing and lauds the students for their maturity in accepting the situation.

“They’re recognizing that as unfortunate as this is for them, it’s actually bigger than them,” says St Vincent, “and they’re trying to help their community and family members get through this difficult time.”

The principal explains that students had their photos taken with the administration when picking up their diplomas and that a presentation will be made so the students still have mementos from their school year.

Valedictorians Daniel Martens and Bianca Siems say they have prepared messages of hope and encouragement for their fellow students.

“Even though our year didn’t go as planned, that’s probably going to happen a lot during our whole lifetime,” offers Siems, “and we just have to stay strong and not give up.”

Martens maintains that same sentiment saying “it’s easy to give up and not go forward, but we want to remind everyone that it’s important to keep going and keep striving toward whatever it is you want to do.”

For St Vincent, the valedictorian’s expressions are not that surprising.

“We knew we had some very strong leaders in this group that have been strong since grade 9,” offers the principal, “but it’s amazing how throughout this whole process, how many others stepped up and have done the right thing.”