With a 1920s’-style Grand March in the works, grade 12 students at Brooks Secondary School are working hard to jazz up this year’s grad weekend with some small changes.
There will be about 180 students in 2015’s graduating class, from whom two graduate representatives were selected to speak in front of students and parents instead of a valedictorian.
Bayllie Pigatto and Kody Lessard, chosen by teachers based on submitted speeches, will be giving a single speech together focused on thanking the school.
“It’s important to recognize teachers because they put in a lot of work to get us where we are today,” said Kody.
This year grad weekend is a two-fold ceremony, kicking off Friday, June 12, with the traditional Cap and Gown ceremony, followed by the graduation ceremony, including Grand March and Dry Grad on the night of Saturday, June 13, at Powell River Recreation Complex.
Following Friday’s formal festivities, Saturday’s Grand March has students fox-trotting along to a Great Gatsby theme in 1920s’ themed dress. After the march there will also be performances by Sharp Five, a jazz band composed of Brooks’ students, graduating choral students as well as the multi-talented Cody Jackson, runner-up in Powell River Idol 2015.
The formal march and performances are followed by Dry Grad, an alcohol-free all-nighter organized by parent volunteers to ensure students have a safe and secure place in which to celebrate.
While traditionally Dry Grad has a week-known theme—such as last year’s tailgate party with a hypnotist and a faux casino—this year’s motif is a closely guarded secret.
“They really want us to have a surprise,” said Cailin Tyrrell, a student member of the grad committee, who said she couldn’t even guess what it would be.
The recreation complex will be hosting events on Friday and Saturday, and while events kick-off at 8 pm, students are advised to get there early.
Awards and scholarships, traditionally handed out on the Friday night will be handed out in a separate Awards Night for the entire school on Thursday, June 18, at Max Cameron Theatre. Grade 12 awards and scholarships to be handed out from 8 pm onwards.
