Jenn MacNeil
Special to the Times-Chronicle
On June 11 Youlearn.ca hosted their first socially distant graduation ceremony at the Atrium of Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
The small, intimate event celebrated this year’s 32 graduates. Nine of the 32 were in attendance, surrounded by a limited number of friends and family which kept numbers under 50.
The graduation theme for Youlearn’s class of 2020 was “Signal Over Noise,” inspired by Elon Musk’s quote: “Focus on signal over noise. Don’t waste time on stuff that doesn’t actually make things better.”
Graduates who attended ranged in age from late teens to 30. School district superintendent Bev Young and board chair Rob Zandee forwarded greetings to the graduates including commendations for overcoming the “bumps in the road” and completing graduation despite the current situation with COVID-19.
Graduate Kelan Harty, 18, and his sister, Laura Harty, 12, performed four musical selections, which added a special touch to the evening.
Principal Will Eaton delivered his speech which focused on overcoming challenges. His advice: “embrace the uncomfortable.” He implored the grads to have courage in uncertain times and advised that working through such obstacles can lead to later accomplishments.
All graduates received scholarships or bursaries which can be used for furthering their education.
To conclude the celebration, graduates exited to the song, “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas, leaving guests with the notion that setting a clear end goal and having the determination to persevere can result in proud moments of success.
If you are an adult who hasn’t graduated, inquire about the adult graduation program at Youlearn when their offices reopen in late August. Call 250-498-4597 for more information. The adult graduation program includes five courses for a diploma: English 12, Math 11, and three authorized Grade 12 courses or Social Studies 11 and two Grade 12 courses.
