​Grande Prairie, AB – This weekend marks the start of a succession of high school graduation ceremonies throughout Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD).

On Saturday, May 4, Peace Wapiti Academy (PWA) will host a commencement ceremony for 110 graduates at 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Park's TARA Centre. Guest speaker for the event is Mr. Joshua Kostanuick, former Titans Football coach and building construction teacher. Students will return later that evening for an Enchanted Forest-themed grand march beginning at 7:00 p.m. 

Beaverlodge Regional High School will bid a fond farewell to 113 graduates on Friday, May 24 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 63 graduates during a cap and gown ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Sexsmith Arena, with a 1950s-themed grand march at 5:00 p.m.

Ridgevalley School will host an intimate event for 10 graduates at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. For their theme, graduates chose Each End is a New Beginning. Assistant Principal Barry DeFord will speak at the event.

Eaglesham School will honour eight graduates on Saturday, June 1 during a ceremony and Boho Chic-themed grand march at 4:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium. 

Alternative Education will celebrate five graduates at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion on Wednesday, June 5 beginning at 11:00 a.m. The event will include a ribbon cutting for Alternative Education's new Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre in Grande Prairie and a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of PAVE.

On Friday, June 7, Spirit River Regional Academy's 29 graduates will gather at 1:00 p.m. for a cap and gown ceremony at the Spirit River Arena, followed a grand march event at 7:00 p.m. The theme for the event is Starry Summer Nights.

Superintendent Bob Stewart congratulates graduates on a job well done.

"Graduates, on behalf of the PWPSD trustees and staff, I commend you on your many achievements. You have reached a significant milestone in your life, and are now on the cusp of making the many education and career decisions that will shape your future. As you consider your options, I encourage you to continue to seek the support and expertise of those who have helped you achieve your high school diploma – your family and your teachers. Your success and happiness are at the root of what we do each day. We wish you the best of everything in the years to come."

Savanna School will be the last of the Division's high schools to host a commencement event. The school will send off 14 graduates on Saturday, July 6 at the Bonanza Hall, starting with dinner at 4:30 p.m., followed by a cap and gown ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Two familiar faces will return as guest speakers – Paula Taylor, former principal and Jason Shirley, former teacher.

The following table summarizes the details of PWPSD's Class of 2019 graduation events:

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