Over the past week, Early and Middle Years students and staff were treated to a parade of Grade 12 grads as part of Grad Walk 2023.

St. James Collegiate Institute initiated the first annual Grad Walk for Jimmies in 2017 as a way to celebrate graduates while inspiring younger students about their not-to-distant futures. This year, Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate also organized a Grad Walk for Huskies.

Principal Lorelei Steffler says mentorship is key to the annual event. “These graduates are role models for the students, some of whom are younger siblings."

The event also provides educators and staff with an opportunity to cheer on graduates, many of whom they taught or supported along the long journey to graduation.

As graduates from both collegiates walked the halls of their old schools, students and teachers erupted in applause while school Instagram accounts lit up.

Brooklands School staff declared it was “one of our favourite traditions," while staff from Stevenson-Britannia congratulated grads while noting the event “fills our hearts."

Heritage posted that the event was special, “Thank you for coming by Heritage today! So proud of you!" École Bannatyne praised the group in French, “Félicitations à toutes les finissantes et tous les finissants!"

Congrats to all our SJASD grads!