Graduation photos are back up in business windows around the City

MERRITT – It’s the homestretch of high school for another graduating class.

As graduation comes quickly for the class of 2023, their grad photos have been placed up at businesses throughout the City. For the fourth year, the ‘Walk of Grads’ has returned to the City.

“I believe the high school is the heart of the community, I always have, and I have been fortunate enough to work at the high school in Merritt for over 20 years,” said Gian Cavaliere, Vice-Principal of Merritt Secondary School (MSS). “I felt this was another avenue we could use that gives the community the chance to really celebrate and be apart of the grad process with them in some capacity. It brings more spotlight to them and more attention to different businesses in town.”

Displaying the graduation class photos on the business they may work at has been a popular celebration throughout the community, but Cavaliere said this year went above and beyond.

“We are just really grateful that we had over 60 different companies come forward this year and display at least one photo. The community has also been very supportive of this and have always wanted to be apart of the process and we hope we will continue to do this every year. It’s a chance to display kids who work at their business and give some attention that they deserve.”

Another yearly tradition is the grad parade, where those graduating get the spotlight as they tour around the city, showing off their best dresses and suites, getting the recognition for the hard work.

“We will start marching from the high school to the arena,” explained Cavaliere. “We will march through town, like they usually do, so please come out and cheer them on as they go through the streets of Merritt. They will go down Quilchena, up to where the CIBC bank is, and then take a left down Voght, all the way down to the arena. If you want to line up along the streets, honk your horns, bring your noise makers, let them see the city come out and be apart of that.”

The graduation ceremony is taking place on June 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. The party comes after as the parade and the prom is on June 24.