This month, Tri-City News asked high school valedictorians in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody to describe what it's like to graduate in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic — and without an official ceremony.
Here's what Zach Poitras-Rowe of Pinetree Secondary wrote:
"Even though this year has been as crazy as ever and classes didn’t quite return to normal, I’m glad we were able to have some in-person connectivity with our friends.
"It is disappointing to not have all the fancy events that a typical grad would have but, being able to say that we were part of a generation that continued to work hard and support others as we graduated during a pandemic is an incredible feeling.
"I’m sure I speak for many when I say that with no ceremony this year, we will be celebrating all the built up excitement in the coming years!
"Wishing all the Pinetree grads the best!"
