THE 2024 graduates gather before heading in for the North Battleford Comprehensive High School graduation on Fri., June. 28. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

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Cap off to the 2024 NBCHS grads

Jun 28, 2024 | 2:00 PM

Much like the Viking’s Sigrblot of old, the North Battleford Comprehensive High School had their own victory festival in the form of graduation.

“It’s been not a not a typical year, but I know our students have worked very, very hard,” said Principal Jay Nichol.

As students donned their blue and white, and celebrated with friends, family and teachers, the mood was one of excitement and anticipation.

Just over 130 students were in the graduating class this year and Nichol said the staff were proud. There were 69 awards to be handed out this year and the principal hoped as the 2024 grads prepared to walk across the stage and receive their diploma, that they stopped and appreciated “All the hard work that they’ve done to get to this point and that they’re prepared to do whatever they want to do next.”

Staff member Jennifer Larocque helped Alizah Carter get her cap and gown sorted out before the North Battleford Comprehensive High School graduation on Fri., June. 28. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Valedictorian Hana Shanashaarawy joined the Viking family three years ago when she moved to the community three years ago from Ontario.

Ever since then, I’ve honestly had so many opportunities to grow as a person especially being here,” she said.

Shanashaarawy explained that by living here she was given the space and support from her teachers and peers needed to help her reach her potential.

“They’ve given me such amazing opportunities that I would have never imagined today.”

As she was reflecting on what advice she wanted to impart to the rest of class, the word that kept coming back to her was hope.

Ty Peterson stands in the rainbow hallway ahead of the North Battleford Comprehensive High School graduation on Fri., June. 28. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“I really wanted to share that no matter how voiceless we seem, students have so much power to change the world because at the end of the day, we’re the people that are going to go on into the future,” she said.

“As students, we’re often told to listen, but we sometimes forget that we also have a duty to speak up and teach ourselves and teach others and we really are not just student, we’re teachers in ourselves.”

According to Nichol, there wasn’t just one moment that stood out this year and they were proud of everyone.

“Everybody had a different path and a different route, and they’ve all worked hard to this point,” he said.

Valedictorian Hana Shanashaarawy sits with friend Kate Malabanan ahead of during the North Battleford Comprehensive High School graduation on Fri., June. 28. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Meanwhile, for Shanashaarawy, an international baccalaureate student who will be attending the University of Saskatchewan for a bio-medical science degree, grew into leadership roles through extracurricular activities such as the magazine club and student council.

“It opened my mind up to a bunch of new experiences from people all around in our school and our greater Battleford community,” she said.

“It made me realize how big of an impact a student, just a student can make.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattiosonmedia.com

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