Graduation ceremonies in Fort McMurray will take place virtually later this month.
The Fort McMurray Public School Division, Fort McMurray Catholic School District, and Keyano College will be recognizing their graduating students through different means due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FMPSD will be live streaming ceremonies for families and friends to watch their loved ones cross the stage. Composite will have their graduation on June 22 at 9 a.m., followed by Ecole McTavish on June 23 at 9 a.m., Frank Spragins on June 25 at 7 p.m., and Westwood at on June 26 at 9 a.m.
“We couldn’t let this important day pass by without celebrating our incredible students,” said Jennifer Turner, FMPSD Superintendent. “Our staff and school leaders are working hard to ensure students have a memorable graduation experience despite current circumstances.”
The FMCSD will are splitting students into smaller groups so they can receive their diploma while also following all provincial measures.
Father Merc is having their ceremonies take place over the next three days, while Holy Trinity will start their’s next Friday. Videos of the celebrations will be released in the near future for parents and friends to view.
“We recognize that there are many unknowns in the world right now, but one thing we know for certain is that our graduates have worked tirelessly to make it to the end of their schooling journey. We want to celebrate this accomplishment now in a safe way,” added George McGuigan, FMCSD Superintendent.
As for Keyano, they will be holding their 54th Convocation Ceremony online on June 30.
The video and program will feature the names of all the graduates and include messages from the college and the community.
“We are very sorry this day of celebration could not be held in person, however the health and safety of everyone on our campuses is our highest priority,” read a statement from the post-secondary school.
In total, around 1,200 students will be graduating from either high school or college – 434 from the FMCSD, 308 from the FMPSD, and around 500 from Keyano.