A tight-knit group of Grade 12 students are graduating this weekend.
They were united by Frisbee, P.E., and drama class, they say. Albeit growing up in a small community had a lot to do with it too.
“We’re like a family,” said Finlea Watson. “It ‘s kind of surreal that we’re actually done.”
Watson, whose mom Claire created the wave design featured on the back of the 2018 grad hoodies, is heading to Victoria next year to study business at Camosun College.
Ucluelet Warriors basketball captain, Isiah David, echoed her sentiments.
“I’m going to miss being together. I grew up with these guys from day one,” he said.
Wrestling champ Lukas Bewick said he will miss this chapter in his life.
“Things are only going to be this way this one time,” said Bewick.
Most of the graduates are leaving Ucluelet and Tofino, but staying fairly close to home.
Amy Charlie is going to Vancouver Island University with the goal of earning a psychology degree.
Jared Lucas will join her at VIU to take the automotive service technician program.
Shiva Charleson-Parlee hopes to study physics, sociology, or statistics in post-secondary.
Charles Joseph said he has future plans of becoming a professional cook.
For Ellie Law, one of the most memorable moments of her time at USS was the year she skipped Grade 11 and biked to Mexico. She pointed out that there are many unique characters in the Class of 2018.
“The cool thing about our class is everyone is a real individual. We all have our interests and personalities. We are all developing our own tastes,” said Law.
Travel is at the top of the wish list for many of the grads too.
Sophie Kipot noted for the yearbook that she hopes to travel and learn about plant medicine. Kassidy Cortes, who painted the grad board, will continue to study early childhood education in college, then wants to travel.
The convocation is scheduled for Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. in the USS gymnasium. Everyone is welcome to attend. In fact, the grads really want you to.
“[The towns] have supported us as we grew up. We’re all from here. They’ve all contributed to our lives,” Law said.
Grade 12 grads throw shakas and hearts on the ferry ride over to Vancouver on Friday. The school organized a grad trip to the Fair at PNE in Vancouver. (Finlea Watson Photo)