North Vancouver grads mark end of unprecedented year with car parade
Posted June 22, 2021 8:35 am.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The graduates of 2021 celebrated Monday night with a car parade in North Vancouver.
Organized by parents at Handsworth Secondary School, the goal was to mark graduation after what has been a tough school year for students, who’ve had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and all the changes it brought.
“It’s been really crazy but it’s so nice to see the whole community come out and support us all. There’s such a nice show of support and it’s just so nice,” said one graduate.
It’s getting busy at Grouse Mountain!
Grads have decorated their vehicles in anticipation of the 7pm parade through #NorthVancouver. @CityNewsVAN @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/BGTgymmOfz— Ashley Burr (@AshleyBurr_) June 22, 2021
“It just feels really good to get out here and finally celebrate something for once. We missed everything else this year,” said another. “We had a ceremony but this feels a lot better almost.”
The parade began on Grouse Mountain before it weaved through the streets of North Vancouver. Parents and students also raised money for prizes going to the top three decorated vehicles.
Parade has begun! They will be heading down Capilano Road finishing at Highlands Blvd. #NorthVancouver @CityNewsVAN @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/7j6eZsNI8W
— Ashley Burr (@AshleyBurr_) June 22, 2021
“It’s my youngest child graduating, and so this is my last grad and I am so thankful that we are doing something for it because he hasn’t been able to get the same experience that his older two sisters did get,” said Molly O’Callaghan, a parent and organizer.
“It’s a really great grad group. They’ve had friendships and memories that are going to last, last a lifetime probably,” Kelly Cameron, another organizer and parent, told CityNews.
“It’s my baby graduation and so we’re trying to make it as special as possible. And in a lot of ways, this is almost more fun than what we normally expect from traditions,” added parent and organizer Linsay Lal.
Students who spoke to CityNews agree, saying they felt like the parade was the perfect way to end the year.
“It’s been a bunch of little events, and this kind of feels like a nice, big finish to it all, I think. We’re really excited,” said student Sophia Perun.
