This year's high school grads had a lot to celebrate.

While they were crossing the stage and tossing their caps, they weren't only closing the book on the school year, but also on the restrictions that had them back and forth from online to in-school classes for half of their high school experience.

For Alexandra Schuke, Holy Trinity Academy's valedictorian, speaking on behalf of the class was somewhat of a daunting task for a few reasons, not the least of which was the fact she only found out she'd be giving a speech the Monday prior.

There were a few students in the running, with multiple students averaging in the '90s, but Schuke's 98.6 per cent grade average put her at the top.

She'll be attending McGill University in Montreal in the fall to study bioengineering.

HTA's salutatorian Jordan Webster, who is a friend of Schuke's, is also headed for McGill.

HTA's 2021 salutatorian, Jordan Webster.

Schuke is excited to head into post-secondary restriction-free and in a (mostly) new setting.

"I think, if anything, I'm just excited to fly again because it's been so long. I have family out in Montreal, so that should make the adjustment a bit better."

Graduation day felt a little surreal for Schuke and her classmates, having only fully returned to in-person classes about a month prior.

She says it made her appreciate that return, as well as their grad ceremony, all the more.

"During it, when we were isolating and stuff, it could be kind of hard. I think overall when I did go to school, I just realized how special it was because it wasn't always like that when we were online. It's just nice to see everyone in the building."

With so many people becoming invested in this year's graduating class and their mental health, Schuke wanted to emphasize that it made them ready to take on the world.

"It feels really special because we've gone through the online schooling. We've become so much stronger over the last year and a half, so we can handle anything."

 

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