CELEBRATING B.C. The class of 2020 HigH ScHool gradS

PART 2 OF 3 Traditional high school graduation ceremonies were cancelled this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, we invited B.C. students to share their grad fashions, photos and messages with us in this special series. You’ll find more contributions from these extraordinary students online at theprovince.com.

And, to the Class of 2020, we join the rest of the province in wishing you future success. Congratulations!

VERONICA PHILLIPS

Earl Marriott Secondary School, Surrey

In the future, Veronica hopes to have completed her studies at the University of British Columbia in sciences. She hopes to be working as an environmental scientist so she can help fight the effects of climate change and participate in steering the world towards a more sustainable future.

KATRINA AIDELBAUM

Crofton House School, Vancouver

Next year, Katrina will be attending University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business.

CARISSA COOPER

Coast Tsimshian Academy of Lax Kw’alaams (Port Simpson)

Carissa is the mother of three-year-old Jace Reed Morrison-Cooper. While it took her a while to graduate, she’s earned her diploma and is part of the 2020 graduating class of Coast Tsimshian Academy of Lax Kw’alaams. She will be taking a fouryear diploma for business administrators course at Langara College in Vancouver. Congratulations, Carissa!

KATHERINE GAGNON

Ecole Secondaire Jules-Verne, Vancouver

Katherine is excited about attending Concordia University this fall, seeing more of the world and launching into her future.

QUINCY BARNSLEY

Elgin Secondary, South Surrey

Quincy has been accepted to UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business, and for the future he wants success and fulfilment.

OLIVIA ANNE DUBÉ

Seaquam Secondary School, Delta

“I am a big bird winging over high mountains, down into serene valleys. I am ripples of waves on silver seas. I’m a spring leaf trembling in anticipation of full growth.”

MARCELO CAVALCANTI ARAUJO John Oliver Secondary School, Vancouver

As a grad of 2020, what Marcelo hopes for the most for the future is that everything goes to normal as soon as possible, that all the problems due to COVID-19 are ended for good, and everyone can overcome whatever it may have caused in their lives. Marcelo hopes to one day become a professional in computer engineering having graduated from UBC.

CHING YIN JANICE WONG Burnaby North Secondary School

Janice hopes to go for accounting and finance in her bachelor’s degree, and wants to become a chartered public accountant. By participating in Bright Ideas at SFU, an eightweek entrepreneurship education program, she learned how prominent the roles of accounting and finance are in facilitating an effective operation of business. Having a strong desire to achieve a deeper understanding of accounting and finance within the wider context of business and management, she chose economics and accounting in Grade 11 and 12. Janice is eager to further her knowledge, and build upon the foundation she has laid. She looks forward to the opportunity to achieve a relevant degree and pursue a career in the business field.

CONNOR CASPARIE

Brooks Secondary School, Powell River

TAYLOR DLUGON

Delview Secondary School, North Delta

Taylor will be attending Douglas College in New Westminster to attain her associates of arts degree with the hopes of transferring to UBC or SFU to further pursue her interest in psychology or teaching. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic she was scheduled to travel to Europe, but unfortunately the trip was cancelled due to travel restrictions. She hopes to travel once the restrictions are lifted, and would like to go to every Disney theme park around the world.

KIERAN ANDERSON

Handsworth Secondary School, North Vancouver

Kieran! We are so proud of you for persevering and excelling despite a global pandemic wreaking havoc during your final term. What an achievement being accepted into eight universities across Canada. No matter your choice, we know you will succeed with your dream of becoming a doctor.

OLIVIA STEED

Pitt Meadows Secondary School

In the fall, Olivia will be pursuing interactive arts at SFU’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology. Her dream is to be a graphic designer. She also wants to make pottery and art on the side. She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her now and always, and she is very grateful for the amazing opportunities and experiences high school provided her. Go, Grad 2020!

HANNAH HOMSY Thomas Haney Secondary School, Maple Ridge

Hannah will be studying to become a school counsellor. She looks forward to learning how to help people with problems they may be dealing with. She also hopes to do some travelling in the future.

JAY MATHER

Seaquam Secondary School, Delta

AIDAN SNELLING

Terry Fox Secondary School, Port Coquitlam

Aidan is graduating from Terry Fox Secondary School, which seems odd to say when all the typical grad activities have been limited or cancelled. He hopes things will get better in the future and that everyone gets through these hard times together. Aidan is hoping to be able to go to college and get an associate’s degree in psychology or criminology. He is also looking at marketing with a focus on video games. Aidan sends a virtual “hats off” to all his fellow 2020 graduates.

JOSHUA ROSE

Maple Ridge Secondary School

People may want more money or a better system to learn, but we all know that doesn’t matter. What truly matters is the enjoyment of the life you live and how you spend your time.

MACKENNA DE HAAN

Burnsview Secondary School, North Delta

Mackenna is excited to begin the next chapter of her life. She will be attending the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. She will be playing varsity soccer and beginning her journey to become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. After she graduates, she plans to travel the world, using her nursing degree to gain more life experience in different countries.

GO, TIMBERWOLVES!

MACKENZIE ROSEHART

Yale Secondary School, Abbotsford

Throughout her years at Yale, Mackenzie has worked extremely hard in all her classes to get where she is today. As she approaches the end of her grad year, she can’t help but look back on all the good memories she had in high school — whether it be live2give, pep rallies or just hanging out with her friends. Although Mackenzie is discouraged that her final year of high school was cut short, she is grateful for all the love and support from family, friends and teachers as we navigate through these troubling times. Starting in September, she will be attending the University of the Fraser Valley to start her journey to become a nurse. She is beyond excited and can’t wait to see what the future holds.