Yesterday (June 2), George McDougall was the last Rocky View School in Airdrie to hold its commencement ceremony at Genesis Place.

Prior to the ceremony, Valedictorian Madelyne Janzen, along with students Jonathan Lake, Jennifer Williams and Nataniel Roussel shared thier thoughts on the day of their graduation. All four felt grad was a time to look forward to the rest of thier lives.

"I don't think it's really a closing of a door because we've been on this journey our whole lives, but I think it signifies stepping into a new chapter in our life. So today's just a big milestone moment," explained Janzen.

Lake echoed Janzen's thoughts.

"I think it's more of a beginning than an end. Everyone's starting their lives, so it's kind of closing one chapter and opening another."

On graduation day, Roussel was optimistic about the future.

"I think it means moving on to the next stage of my life and moving on to bigger and better things."

"Grad is like, our whole lives are ahead of us. It's insane. It feels like the end of high school, but it's like the beginning of the rest of our lives. I'm so excited, " summed up Williams.

After the grads entered and took their seats, the ceremony began. A number of dignitaries were on hand to address the graduates, including Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards, Deputy Mayor Fred Burley, Rocky View Trustee Norma Lang and Associate Superintendent of Human Resources with Rocky View Susan Page. Airdire MLA Angela Pitt was unable to attend the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict, but sent her regards and a message for the grads.

Principal Garry Bell addressed the students, highlighting the school's distinction as the only bilingual high school in Airdrie by alternating between English and French. The ceremony was extra special for Bell, as this is his first as principal of George McDougall. He had this to say to the class of 2017.

"Be tolerant, be kind to others, have that Mustang spirit with them throughout the course of their life in order to make their part of the world a better place. Be happy, be good to themselves, and if they're not sure what they want to do right away, that's okay. Reflect, explore and it will come."

Valedictorian Madelyn Janzen encouraged her peers to go out into the world and not only be successful individuals, but also kind individuals, filled with compassion and able to help others also find success.

Then it was time for each graduate to take their stroll across the stage. Following the presentation to the graduates, a handful of graduates were recognized with awards for their outstanding accomplishments.

The grads walked out to "I Lived" by One Republic. They will have their reception this evening at W.H. Croxford.