​The month of May marks the start of a succession of high school graduation ceremonies throughout Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWSD).

PWSD's Grande Prairie-based high school, Peace Wapiti Academy (PWA), will host a commencement ceremony for 103 graduates at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Evergreen Park's ENTREC Centre, featuring PWA teacher Mr. Jamie Spence as the guest speaker. Students will return later that evening for a Great Gatsby-themed grand march beginning at 7:30 p.m., emceed by PWA teacher Mr. Farouq Hassanali and Mr. Joshua Kostanuick, former PWA teacher and coach of the Titans Football team.

Beaverlodge Regional High School will bid a fond farewell to 98 graduates on Friday, May 26 at the Beaverlodge Arena, with a cap and gown ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and grand march at 4:30 p.m. On the same day, Sexsmith Secondary School will send off 61 graduates during a cap and gown ceremony at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Casino Royale-themed grand march event at 5:00 p.m. at the Sexsmith Arena.

Ridgevalley School will host an intimate event for 16 graduates at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27. Graduates selected the theme Do More Than Exist as a challenge to one another to make a difference in the world.

Eaglesham School will honour eight graduates on Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the school's gymnasium.

On Friday, June 9, Spirit River Regional Academy's 38 graduates will gather at 1:00 p.m. for a cap and gown ceremony at the Spirit River Arena, followed by A Night under the Stars, A Moment in Time-themed grand march event at 7:00 p.m. On the same day, Peace Academy of Virtual Education (PAVE), the Division's online school, will host a ceremony for 10 graduates at Dunvegan Park beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Superintendent Sheldon Rowe joins with school communities in offering best wishes and congratulations to all PWSD graduates.

"As the 2016-2017 school year draws to a close, I wish our graduates success as they advance to post-secondary education and future careers. It has been inspiring to see your dedication and efforts during the past thirteen years, and I join with our staff in saying we are very proud of your accomplishments."

Savanna School, the last of the Division's eight high schools to host a commencement event, takes a unique approach to its graduation ceremony. The school is proud of its "true" graduation tradition, and holds off on their celebration until Diploma Exam marks have been released by Alberta Education, ensuring all students at the ceremony have met graduation requirements. The small school will say farewell to 12 graduates on Saturday, August 12 at the Savanna Rec Plex, starting with a dinner at 4:30 p.m., followed by a graduation ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

The following is a summary of the details of the 2017 PWSD graduation ceremonies:

 
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