June 17, 2026-Grad

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 | A15

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

A16 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

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Congratulations to the class of 2026!

WEST VANCOUVER SCHOOLS

DIFFERENCE MAKERS OUR GRADS ARE GOING PLACES

Congratulations to all 715 Grade 12’s from Inglewood, Rockridge, Sentinel and West Vancouver Secondary Schools. Behind every acceptance letter is a story of hard work, determination and growth. We celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 and the exciting opportunities that await them at leading institutions across Canada and around the world.

BRIGHT FUTURES

From their first day of school to graduation, students are encouraged to dream big, think boldly and pursue what matters most to them. Nearly 95 percent of West Vancouver Schools graduates continue to post-secondary education within a year of graduation, taking the next step toward their dreams and preparing to make a difference in the world.

Arina Asgari Sentinel Secondary University of Toronto Life Sciences

Timo Joseph Sentinel Secondary University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business

Acadia University Bath Spa University Barnard College BCIT Belmont University Bocconi University Boston College Brandeis University Brock University Capilano University Concordia University Cornell University Georgetown University Imperial College London King's College London Langara University

Ariel Li Madeline Mcleod Benjamin Brown Jason-Chanhong Seol West Vancouver Secondary West Vancouver Secondary Rockridge Secondary Rockridge Secondary University College London London School of Economics Duke University New York University Management Media, Culture & Communications Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Public Policy & Economics

London School of Economics Maastricht University McGill University McMaster University MIT New York University Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Queen's University Rhode Island School of Design Savannah College of Art & Design Simon Fraser University Shanghai Music Academy Sheridan College Stanford University St. Francis Xavier University

NICOLE BROWN, BOARD CHAIR

St. Mary's University Toronto Metropolitan University Trent University UBC Vancouver & Okanagan UCalifornia Berkeley UCalifornia Davis UCalifornia Irvine UCalifornia LA University College London University of Alberta University of Bristol University of Calgary University of Edinburgh University of Guelph University of Leeds University of Liverpool University of Manitoba

CHRIS KENNEDY, SUPERINTENDENT

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor University of Milan University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Toronto University of Utah University of Vermont University of the Pacific University of Waterloo University of Southern California University of Victoria Western University Wilfred Laurier University York University

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 | A17

CLASS OF 2026

North Shore principals offer advice to graduating students ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

You did it!

It’s graduation day – the day that felt so far away but is finally here.

As senior high school students wear their caps and gowns and walk across the stage to mark the end of their secondary school journey, a new path lies ahead. That can be exciting, but also scary.

Sentinel Secondary principal Mike Finch said graduation time carries mixed emotions – excitement for graduates about what they’re pursuing in the next stage of life, but also bittersweet feelings as they walk out those high school doors for the last time.

Finch is encouraging the class of 2026 to embrace those opportunities ahead while also learning from mistakes.

“I think often the failures are what we learn the most from,” Finch said. “I think often those people that [try and fail at things] become the most resilient, resourceful and in some ways even more successful because they don’t wallow in despair. When they fail at something, they embrace it and go, ‘Let’s move on and find a different way.’ That’s what breeds success.”

After high school, some students pursue post-secondary, others enter straight into the workforce or take a gap year to figure out what they want to do

in the next.

It can feel daunting to map out the next step in your life before it starts. But Sutherland Secondary principal Mark Barret said don’t be stressed if you don’t have it all figured out.

“I think so few adults end up exactly where they thought they were going to be when they were 17 or 18,” Barrett said.

“Whatever your plan is after secondary school, don’t worry about having the perfect plan.

[Focus] more on becoming the kind of person who can adapt, learn and contribute wherever life takes you.”

Regardless of the path, Barrett emphasizes “soft skills” like communication, collaboration, empathy and relationship building will take you a long way. “[Those are] the qualities that make us the most human,” he said. “Stuff like that’s never going to go out of style.”

With the rise in AI, Barrett encourages students to be skeptical but not cynical entering the world. A voice you hear may not be from the real speaker, a picture may be completely fabricated or a video might turn out to be fake, Barrett said. It’s healthy to be skeptical of things that you see online, he said, but don’t let that negativity taint you.

“I encourage kids to be critical thinkers,” he said. “However, don’t let your skepticism slide into cynicism, where you question every institution. You think that everything is sinister. Look

Sutherland Secondary principal Mark Barrett is happy to share some advice with the Class of 2026 grads as they head out into the world. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN for the optimism and the good in the world around you, but don’t be afraid to be a critical questioner of it as well.”

Bringing that optimism and lifting each other up in the community is a sentiment Rockridge Secondary principal Trevor Kolkea shares.

“Really be part of a community, be ambitious, but don’t be transactional,” he said.

“Measure yourself by who got

better because you were there.

Success means so much more when you bring others with you.”

Community is the key, he said.

“That community element will always be needed.”

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

ALCUIN

VANCOUVER SCHOOLS

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES. WE WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS!

COLLEGE

CLASS OF 2026

Rockridge Secondary students toss their caps during a previous graduation ceremony. WEST

TJ Beattie

Katelyn Bell

Sajen Glover

Aspen Hopper

Mackenna Kopp

Elle Kritter

Lucy Prichard-Mandl

Melodee Stromotich

Bishop’s University, Capilano University Mount Allison University, Simon Fraser University University of British Columbia University of British Columbia – Okanagan University of Victoria, University of New Brunswick

info@stalcuincollege.com 236-308-4428 | alcuin.ca

A18 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

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Does child support continue after high school?

What separated parents in B.C. should know As B.C. students head to university, separated parents may face complex and often overlooked questions about child support and sharing post-secondary costs extraordinary expenses” under Canadian family law. This means both parents may be expected to contribute, but not necessarily equally.

Addressing these gaps proactively with proper legal advice before graduation prevents unnecessary conflict and provides clarity for everyone involved.

Preventing conflict through early communication One of the most effective ways to avoid disputes is open, early communication between parents. Discussing expectations around education costs, living arrangements and financial contributions well before graduation can make a significant difference.

Ideally, these conversations should be grounded in practical realities rather than assumptions. Parents may benefit from documenting agreements in writing or updating existing legal documents to reflect current circumstances.

Seeking legal guidance early can also help ensure that discussions are informed, balanced and focused on the child’s best interests.

“When entering into a separation agreement, ensure its scope goes beyond the here-and-now,” says Neathway.

“Consider your child’s long-term needs and ambitions and how they fit into your family’s financial circumstances.

Speaking with a family lawyer early in the process can add clarity and confidence to these negotiations.”

Families navigating these transitions often benefit from clear, practical advice tailored to their situation.

Meridian Law Group in Vancouver works closely with separated and divorced parents to address these complex questions with clarity and compassion.

By focusing on efficient, fair resolutions and providing plain-language guidance, they help families reduce stress while protecting both parental rights and children’s futures.

To learn more about navigating postsecondary support and other family law matters, visit https://meridianlawgroup.ca.

“Many people are eager to finalize an agreement quickly and with as little conflict as possible, which is understandable during an emotionally difficult time,” says Neathway. “However, agreements that fail to address future scenarios can create significant legal challenges later on, with families returning to court to sort out disputes that could have been addressed from the outset. That process can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive for everyone involved.”

Since 1988, the seasoned litigators of Meridian Law Group have developed a reputation for legal excellence and exceeding client expectations. Its founders have decades of experience delivering results for clients through driven, compelling advocacy in all levels of court throughout British Columbia.

Courts assess each parent’s financial situation, income and ability to pay, along with any contributions the child can reasonably make. Disagreements often arise when expectations differ, particularly when one parent assumes the other should cover a larger share.

Without clear guidance, these disputes can escalate quickly.

Child support obligations can come as a surprise if divorced parents haven’t planned ahead. Photo via Envato

Across B.C., graduation season marks a major milestone for families. High school students are preparing for university, tuition payments are coming due, and parents are helping plan the next stage of their child’s life.

However, it usually comes with a simple but stressful question for separated parents: Does child support end when high school does?

The answer is not always clear. Child support obligations do not necessarily end when a child reaches the age of majority, which can leave many parents unsure of what comes next.

“If separated parents have not planned ahead for future education expenses, ongoing child support obligations can come as a surprise,” says Meghan Neathway, a family lawyer at Meridian Law Group. “Parents may find themselves continuing payments beyond an anticipated end date or facing legal proceedings if support is ended prematurely.”

Does child support really continue after high school?

In British Columbia, the Family Law Act defines “child” to include individuals over the age of 19 who have not withdrawn from the care of their parents or guardians.

A common example is a child pursuing post-secondary education. In these circumstances, the Federal Child Support Guidelines can continue to apply. As children over 19 who attend college or

university are rarely self-supporting, a paying parent’s child support obligation is likely to continue.

Courts look closely at the child’s circumstances, including their educational plans and ability to contribute financially. Living arrangements and relationships also play a role; whether the child resides at home or away for school can influence how support is calculated and whether it continues at all.

“There is more nuance in situations where a child has completed their first degree and wishes to move forward with either another bachelor-level degree or graduate studies,” adds Neathway.

“In those instances, ongoing support is less likely to be ordered. Many students also have the ability to obtain bursaries, loans and other financial assistance for their schooling expenses or to work during summers and breaks from school.

This is also a consideration in assessing what is reasonable for a parent to pay.”

Dividing the cost of post-secondary education Child support comprises two elements: The monthly support amount calculated under the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the “special or extraordinary expenses” that are incurred over and above the basic costs of supporting a child.

Post-secondary expenses, including tuition, textbooks, housing and living costs, are typically treated as “special or

“Special expenses are typically divided proportionately to each parent’s respective income,” says Neathway.

“It is important to think ahead about these expenses and make arrangements in advance, either by agreement or court order. This will minimize disputes about who is responsible for what amounts before a hefty tuition bill comes due.”

When agreements leave gaps Many separation agreements or court orders drafted when children are younger do not fully address post-secondary education. Some may include vague language about “future expenses,” while others are silent on the issue altogether.

When this happens, parents may need to renegotiate terms or seek legal clarification. Courts can step in to determine fair contributions, but this process can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 | A19

CLASS OF 2026

Congrats grads, your team spirit will take you a long way ANDY PREST

aprest@nsnews.com

“This kid crushes baseballs!”

“This guy is really fast!”

“This kid is French! Oui oui!!”

“This guy just ate two Big Macs!”

I’ve been around a lot of athletes and teams as an adult coach and parent, but it’s only this year that I’ve been up close with a team that includes Grade 12 athletes. My two kids have made their way through the youth system, and now my older son is in Grade 10 and playing on a baseball team that goes up to Grade 12. And I must say – it’s delightful.

I’ve heard lots of chatter from lots of benches and dugouts over the years. Most of it has been good, some not so good.

Strangely the younger kids have at times seemed quicker to jeer an opponent. Shouts of “Rattled!

Rattled!” or “Huddle, huddle, must be trouble” are two I’ve heard when an opposing pitcher is struggling.

It’s time to celebrate your graduation, Class of 2026, and it’s always best when you can do it as a team. QUAVONDO / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS The worst offenders are typically the adults, whose quietly judgmental off-field conversations are eclipsed only by the rare but disturbing top-of-their-lungs on-field tirades and tantrums

coaches are prone to throw.

These Grade 12 guys my son is playing with though? They’re hilarious, and supportive, and super fun. I’ve only ever heard them pump up their own

teammates, never put down an opponent. The quotes at the start of this column are actual shouts I’ve heard during games this year, all perfect examples of how to be your buddy’s biggest fan. Well, I’m not sure about buddy and his Big Macs, but it did make everyone laugh.

Listening to those players has given me a lot of hope for the young adults heading out into the world now as we enter Grade 12 graduation season. My advice to this year’s grads would be to take that supportive attitude and bring it with you into the world.

Pick each other up, cheer each other on.

You’re going to work alongside hundreds or thousands of people in your lifetime. The memorable ones will be the ones who are fun to be around, the ones who are quick to give credit and slow to assign blame.

And as you go out in life, most of you will have opponents along the way. Maybe not quite

as obvious as a guy 60 feet and six inches away throwing a ball at you at 90 miles per hour, but there will be competition.

Embrace it in a healthy way.

Respect your opponent, and know that they’re not so different from you.

My final thought for you grads is to continue thinking for yourself. And yes, I am talking about that phone in your pocket and the ever-expanding list of AI prompts it tempts you with. You are entering the workforce in the AI age and it will, no doubt, be a force that needs to be reckoned with. But AI will never replace your heart.

You could ask a robot writer to craft a million supportive cheers for you, but it would never come up with anything as great as “This guy just ate two Big Macs!”

That’s all you kid. You’ve got that special sauce.

Andy Prest is the editor of the North Shore News and author of a regular humour/lifestyle column.

Congratulations, Graduates of 2026!

CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES LOCAL 389 (North Vancouver) would like to congratulate the following recipients of our fifteen annual $1,000.00 Scholarships:

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Enid Cheetham

Carson Graham Secondary

Laura McDonald

Seycove Secondary

London Clark

Freya Craven

Siena Owens

Aria Iliakis

Argyle Secondary

Argyle Secondary

Halen Storm

Handsworth Secondary

Madeleine Scott

Argyle Secondary

Argyle Secondary

Dahlia Trenouth

Argyle Secondary

Argyle Secondary

Mattias Olson

Windsor Secondary

CINDY MCQUEEN HIGHER LEARNING SCHOLARSHIPS Caitlin Crowe

Lauren Gruen

North Vancouver District Library

North Vancouver City Library

Coco Nielsen

Sara Soleymanijamal

North Vancouver City Library

Arnoldus van Roessel North Vancouver District Library

School District No. 44

On behalf of the membership of CUPE Local 389, we extend our sincere congratulations to all scholarship winners and graduates of the Class of 2026!

Your hard work and determination have paid off. Wishing you every success as you take the next steps in your journey.

The future is yours.

MLA Lynne Block West Vancouver-Capilano

A20 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

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SUPPORTING GRADS

Cinderella Project helps student chase architecture dream ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ximena Garcia Soto didn’t have the typical high school experience.

At 14, their family moved to North Vancouver from Mexico looking for better opportunities.

“My mom’s mentality was, ‘Even if we do struggle, I think it’s worth it to try to move to Canada and make the best out of it,’” they said.

So Garcia Soto, their mom and older sister packed their bags and moved to North Vancouver at the beginning of February, 2020.

Just a few weeks after moving, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, with lockdowns to schools and other businesses following shortly after.

Due to the pandemic, Garcia Soto’s mom was limited in finding work, and her study permit

was delayed because of shutdowns. She found a job working 12 to 13 hour shifts to put food on the table and cover rent.

“Not being able to do anything to help, that was one of the harsher things because it didn’t go on for months, it went on for years,” Garcia Soto said.

Garcia Soto went to Carson Graham, but found it difficult to make friends for a while due to the pandemic and getting used to a new country.

That was when Garcia Soto told a school counsellor about what was going on. Shortly after, the counsellor connected them with the Cinderella Project, a North Vancouver non-profit that helps Grade 12 high school students who face adversities reach graduation.

The non-profit sent Garcia Soto cards offering words of support, gifted them a personalized box at Christmas with art supplies like sketchbooks, and

even helped pick out a graduation outfit.

Also known as Boutique Day, it is one of the biggest events for the non-profit. Typically held in March at the Pinnacle Hotel in downtown Vancouver, more than 200 students get paired up with a volunteer to pick out an outfit that makes them feel proud to walk across the stage.

But it was more than just picking a grad outfit for Garcia Soto – it was not feeling judged by economic barriers.

“I was considering not going [to graduation],” they said. “If you don’t have the dress, any of the items that all of the people around you have – unfortunately the North Shore is a place with a lot of money in Vancouver compared to other regions. For a teenager that can be alienating.”

For many students, walking across the graduation stage is the first step into the next life Continued on A23

20-year-old Ximena Garcia Soto is now an architecture student at the University of Toronto thanks to the Cinderella Project, a North Shorebased non-profit that helps senior high school students who are facing adversities reach graduation. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN

Congratulations Graduates!

On behalf of the North Vancouver Board of Education and North Vancouver School District, congratulations to the Class of 2026!

From your early days in kindergarten to today’s graduation, you have been an integral part of the learning community.

Along the way, you’ve met challenges head-on, built lasting friendships, and reached important milestones.

These years have shaped you and prepared you for what comes next. We’re proud of everything you’ve achieved and look forward to seeing where your path takes you!

LEARN MORE: www.sd44.ca @nvsd44

Congratulations to the Grads of 2026!

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 | A21

CLASS OF 2026

Art show puts spotlight on graduating high school students LIZ MENDES

Contributing writer

The Ferry Building Gallery is once again hosting West Vancouver’s graduating students for an exhibition, continuing an annual tradition that has endured since 2004.

Each year, the Ferry Building opens its doors to graduating students from West Vancouver schools including Collingwood, Mulgrave, Rockridge, Sentinel and West Vancouver Secondary.

The event provides a platform for the talented youth of the community to showcase their artistic creations and share their unique perspectives with the public.

“I think it works in two ways: for the high school students, it’s a great way to show their work, to have an experience of showing or exhibiting at an art gallery and being part of an opening reception,” said Leigh-Anne Niehaus, community art supervisor at the Ferry Building Gallery. “[For viewers], it gives us kind of this idea of what’s on these high school students’ minds, what is concerning them. It gives you this insight into their psyche.”

The exhibition, running until June 28, features artworks of diverse styles, sizes, dimensions, and materials. From paintings to sculptures and photographs to mixed media installations, the exhibition showcases a rich tapestry of creativity that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of West Vancouver’s emerging artistic talent, said Niehaus.

Organizers were impressed by the diversity and maturity of this year’s artwork, she said, noting that students are increasingly experimenting with unconventional techniques and mediums rather than limiting themselves to traditional painting or drawing. She highlighted examples ranging from hyper-realistic pencil drawings to experimental photography using overexposure techniques that resemble paintings, as well as dark, highly detailed illustrations that she described as “visceral.”

“Their work looks like, as usual, really high quality and quite mature work for such young people,” she said. “They’re definitely not confined by mediums – these are brave artists.”

Each student is invited to submit one Continued on A23

High school students Meriel Scott, Kayla Yu, Mobin Mezami, Genie Shen and Bernice Tang display their contributions now showing at the Ferry Building Gallery’s annual West Vancouver Grad Art Show, on now until June 28. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

A22 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

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The Class of 2026 graduates at a time of profound global complexity, yet they do so with a unique and vital tool: learner confidence.

It is the internalised belief within each student that they are capable, resourceful, and ready to meet the unknown with agency and thoughtfulness. Whether they began their Mulgrave journey in preschool or joined us later, these graduates have cultivated the resilience to navigate setbacks and the curiosity to keep asking ‘why?’ Beyond the classroom, they have learned to lead with humility and find their voices in service of others. They leave us not merely as observers of the world as it is, but as the individuals who will determine what it becomes

“

I always planned on studying in Canada because of the amazing quality of education and the ability to stay close to family. With how turbulent the world feels, I want to stay in a country where I feel safe and protected by strong government institutions and laws.”

Justin C | Business Queen’s University

“

My university counsellor was an incredible mentor who always gave me realistic, dedicated support. I never felt lost because I had such a supportive team behind me.”

Bonnie L | Social Sciences Stanford University

“

“

Even when I struggled or had doubts, the support from my teachers kept me going. Higher Level Biology and Chemistry were the most challenging classes I took, but they were also the ones I loved the most."

Arianna C | Biological Sciences The University of Edinburgh

Each of our 87 graduates is embarking on a post-secondary journey that is uniquely their own.

Supported by their university counsellors, teachers, and families, they have carved out paths that reflect their individual strengths and passions. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, a gap year, or a not-so-conventional path, we will eagerly follow along as this group spreads its wings across Canada, the US, Europe, and Asia in these diverse programmes of study: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arts & Social Sciences Aviation Biological Sciences Business Economics Engineering Environmental Science Film Health Science Industrial Design Kinesiology Law

“

Joining the school’s Robotics Team was a turning point for me. I took a chance on my interest in coding, and it solidified my passion for engineering and defined what I want to do in post secondary."

Ignacio RL | Engineering Rice University

I was looking for a school in a city that offers real avenues for performance. While Rochester might be smaller, it’s an environment where I know I can progress with my interests and find the right opportunities to grow."

Ryan H | Piano Performance Eastman School of Music

Pathways as unique as each student

Explore our grads' stories to learn more about how they have found their fit at FINDYOURFIT.MULGRAVE.COM

• • • • • • • • • •

Liberal Arts Media & Communications Medicine Music Pharmaceutical Sciences Psychology Science Social Sciences Sports Management Visual Arts

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 | A23

Non-profit supports more than 1,000 North Shore students

Continued from A20 chapter in a post-secondary school. Garcia Soto was accepted to the University of Toronto’s architecture program, but knew it wasn’t possible due to the high tuition costs.

But the day before Garcia Soto’s graduation ceremony in 2024, they found out the Cinderella Project had given them a full ride to study at the university thanks to their bright futures scholarship, which is funded by a family who supports education for youth. “[It] had always been the dream to go. I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” Garcia Soto said. “If it wasn’t for them I would not be studying at university.”

More than 6,000 students have been helped by the Cinderella Project over the last 27 years, said founder Heather MacKenzie, with more than 1,000 students from the North Shore alone.

MacKenzie started the non-profit with a group of 10 volunteers after seeing drop-out rates for B.C. youth as high as 12 per cent.

“We’re giving young people the chance for them to be able to claim their dream and see a real future for themselves,” she said. “That’s important.”

MacKenzie said she never expected to see the nonprofit grow as it has when she started it in 1999.

More than 750 volunteers help the non-profit

throughout the year, with the majority pitching in on Boutique Day. MacKenzie said the non-profit has also helped others launch similar projects across the Lower Mainland and beyond to other parts of Canada, the United States and even the U.K. Watching people come together to help youth is empowering, she said.

“It’s pretty cool as a community that people show up year-in and year-out in the belief that these young people deserve it,” she said. “That’s pretty special.”

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

A taste of the art world Continued from A21 or two pieces for the exhibition. Niehaus noted that this year’s exhibition features around 55 works, filling the Ferry Building Gallery “to the brim” with student artwork.

“It’s a great platform for them to get feedback on their work, to see how the community responds to it,” she said. “Also to boost their confidence.”

She emphasized that the exhibition has become much more than simply a student art display, serving instead as an important stepping stone for young artists. According to Niehaus, many participants use the experience on resumes and job applications later on, especially when applying for arts-related summer jobs or future educational opportunities. She also pointed out that many emerging artists do not get the chance to exhibit their work publicly until years into post-secondary studies, making the Grad Show a rare early professional experience for students.

“It’s kind of a lovely microcosm of what might happen if they decide to become artists or art administrators,” she said.

Niehaus also lauded the sense of continuity the exhibition has built within the community over the years.

Former participants regularly return to the gallery and recognize the importance the show once had in their own lives as graduating students. That long-running connection between generations of artists has helped establish the exhibition as a recognizable tradition within West Vancouver’s arts community.

“Very often we have people who walk into the gallery and say, ‘Oh, you know I love the show so much.

When I was a high school graduate, I also was part of the show.’ So, there’s this continuation of history.”

An opening reception was held June 3, an event Niehaus described as an emotional milestone for students and families. The event often acts as a symbolic closing chapter before graduation, she said, adding that parents, teachers and students gather together at the gallery, creating a celebratory atmosphere before students move on to the next stage of their lives.

“It’s a really nice event, and the parents and kids come to tie a bow on the end of it all.”

Liz Mendes is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at lizmendes2021@ gmail.com.

Con-grad-ulations class of 2026 Celebrate your graduate’s achievements with graduation-themed tableware, décor and more from your local party experts.

We know how to throw a party!

879 Marine Drive, North Vancouver l 604-929-9202 l partycity.ca GRADUATION • BIRTHDAY • BRIDAL SHOWER • WEDDING • BABY SHOWER GENDER REVEAL • HOLIDAYS • PRIDE • RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS

A24 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

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