This year’s virtual graduation still felt 'real' for Saskatoon student
Aina Marbella, a Grade 12 student at E. D. Feehan Catholic High School, said she and her friends appreciate the work the school is putting in to give them the best graduation they can - but they were also nervous.
“That’s literally the quote my friend told me, she’s like ‘I’m freaking nervous.’ Everyone is basically just nervous at this point, everyone is happy, but it’s kind of sad that we can’t see each other walk across the stage, but you have to make do.”
At first, Marbella was worried when she heard “virtual grad,” thinking it was all on Zoom or something similar. Once she saw all the decorations set up at the school she was excited.
“We thought that everyone was just going to be home. So, it’s a great experience to see everything, we can actually see the teachers and they can see us graduate,” Marbella told CTV.
Marbella said it was difficult adjusting throughout the pandemic, but people at the school made the situation better for everyone. As soon as she heard her name called for her gown and cap, Marbella began realizing she was near the end of this four-year journey.
“It felt more real. When they called my name and said “pick up your gown” it was surreal, a very surreal moment.”
The graduation this year, much like last, offers the students an opportunity to walk across the stage to receive their diploma, but they are in controlled groups for distancing, wearing masks, and no one is in attendance.
Principal Krisa Hayes said there will be a second opportunity June 24 for another graduation ceremony that will allow families.
“We’re really excited that with things opening up on June 20 we’re going to be able to allow the students to come back with their parents. This is going to happen at all Greater Saskatoon Catholic high schools.
“They’ll be able to do a little walk-through, and take pictures on the stage with their family.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.