John Paul II celebrates graduation as they send off the class of 2026

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“I was so nervous that I wasn’t going to get it. When I finally got it, I was relieved. We had a big assembly, and they announced it in front of the whole school, and it felt pretty good. It was cheers. I felt a little embarrassed, but I felt like it was well deserved.” 

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On top of student of the year and valedictorian, Bjerkness was also presented with subject awards in physics, chemistry, French law and AP English, which came with various scholarships. 

“It’s so satisfying. Money’s of course important, but just the recognition, knowing that my hard work is seen, it means the world to me.” 

Bjerkness will have the opportunity to use those scholarships when he attends the University of Saskatchewan for engineering. He said he will be living with a couple of friends who are a couple of years older and will attend university with many others from his graduating class. 

“It helps so much just knowing those people having those connections that have the experience, and even the people from this grad class coming to Saskatoon with me. I’ll have some buddies to hang out with, and those are just branches to make new friends, new connections.” 

While Bjerkness is excited for what comes next, he said his high school experience is something he will cherish for the rest of his life. 

“It was amazing. I got to do everything I wanted to do. Play sports, I made so many new friends. I improved myself, my character, my personality, all that. It’s a memorable time in my life. I’m gonna miss it.” 

He also spoke about how close the graduating class became throughout their time together. 

“At the start, grade eight, I barely knew anyone. But over these years especially, senior year with all the grad week, prom, I feel like we’ve really come together. Even if it’s at the end of the year, I feel like it’s really a family.” 

As the graduation ceremony concluded, what Bjerkness described as a family walked off for the final time after a few graduates performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel, the graduation song for the class of 2026. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com