Langley graduates leave a positive legacy in schools

Langley School District is celebrating its largest graduating class, with more than 2,200 students completing Grade 12. Superintendent Mal Gill said the increase reflects continuing enrolment growth and the collective work of students, staff and families. The District's 97 per cent transition, or graduation, rate is above the provincial average.

Board of Education chair Candy Ashdown said this class is the first generation of students to have spent all 13 school years recognizing Orange Shirt Day, and said graduates are leading the Langley community's journey of truth and reconciliation.

Brookswood Secondary opened graduation season with its June 15 commencement ceremony, where more than 200 students received diplomas before teachers, staff, friends and family, then tossed their caps. Principal Sean Juteau said he expects graduates to positively shape the world through their actions, words and learning.

Grade 12 students across the District also take part in grad walks, returning by school bus to former elementary and middle schools in caps and gowns to walk the halls and be celebrated. Following a June 17 grad walk at Parkside Centennial Elementary, Aldergrove Community Secondary principal Virinder Braich said younger students had prepared posters, pictures, colouring and high fives for graduates, and that the tradition inspires younger learners.

The Langley School District Foundation administers more than 300 scholarships annually for parent advisory councils, donors and community partners. This year it awarded 336 scholarships, mostly worth $1,000 to $2,000, recognizing academic and athletic merit, overcoming adversity, civic service and interests including trades, health sciences, fine arts and STEM. Maya Shamkhi of R.E. Mountain Secondary received the $4,000 Shewan Foundation Scholarship for civic service.

Walnut Grove Secondary graduate Noah Robinson was selected for a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study engineering at the University of Waterloo in the fall. Nominated by his school's scholarship committee for academic achievement, he is one of 100 winners across Canada recognized for excellence in engineering, science, technology and mathematics.