Celebrating the class of 2020
Just when they thought the learning was done, the coronavirus pandemic forced graduates to learn new lessons
This is definitely not the graduation year anyone in the class of 2020 dreamed of.
Just when they thought their learning was done, the global coronavirus pandemic forced graduates to learn new lessons — and maybe even rethink their future. But some students are reaching for positivity, finding silver linings, and celebrating their accomplishments during this unprecedented moment.
So on this Now or Never, we are celebrating this year's graduates and the people who helped them make it through.
Meet the Now or Never class of 2020:
Honk for the class of 2020! At Steinbach Regional Secondary School, teachers traded in their fancy clothes for traffic vests as they tried to pull off a drive-thru graduation ceremony for 400 students.
Averi Doxtator was determined to help celebrate her fellow Indigenous graduates, so she started the hashtag #IndigenousGrad2020. The viral movement took on a life of its own, and her grandmother and mother couldn't be more proud.
When Melanie Richman decided to get her high school diploma at 42, she never imagined she'd end up in school with her 17-year old son Jay. Today, they're celebrating Melanie's graduation and reminiscing on their time in high school together.
For Abby Sherry the key to making it through high school wasn't family, classmates, or teachers, but an unexpected friendship with her school's administrative assistant, Kelly Matheson. On her final day at school Abby thanks Kelly for her support.
Two years ago, women from across the Northwest Territories and parts of Nunavut uprooted their lives and moved to Yellowknife. They were there to start the early learning and child care program at Aurora College. But they're graduating with more than a diploma — they also made friendships that will last a lifetime.
And hear the voices of graduates who are part of the CBC Creator Network's Class of 2020 National Yearbook!
