VIDEO: Langley’s grads mark a milestone

More than 2,300 young people graduate from local public and private schools

VIDEO: Langley’s grads mark a milestone Published 5:00 am Friday, July 10, 2026 They made it, and now the hard work begins for all the Langley students who just graduated from high school.

Their milestone was marked with ceremonies and celebrations at all the local secondary public and private schools. The Langley Advance Times invited a few stakeholders to share their insights. For many, their attention immediately turns to what comes next, what they’ve been planning for throughout their high school years.

“In the fall, I will be attending Trinity Western University in the nursing program. Once I receive my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, I plan to work as a registered nurse, most likely in local hospitals. I hope to work in paediatrics, and if all goes well, I may continue my studies and pursue a Master’s in Nursing,” said Avery Van Seters, Credo Christian High School’s 2026 valedictorian.

She spoke to her fellow students at their special ceremony recently. “We’re a pretty diverse class,” she said. “Some of us have won banners, medals, and trophies.

Others have spent countless hours on stage, in rehearsals, and behind the scenes. Some seem to have mastered every math or science course thrown at them, while others have successfully balanced school with jobs, volunteer work, and countless other commitments. We don’t all fit into the same mold, and that’s exactly what made our class such an interesting one to be part of.”

Van Seters noted that it was their diversity that made high school interesting, adding that they could not have accomplished what they did without the support of others. “God used parents, teachers, mentors, friends, and classmates to help form us into who we are becoming. And because those experiences have shaped us, they give us a foundation for whatever comes next,” Van Seters said.

Her school celebrated the young people for their achievements. “The staff at Credo Christian High School are proud of the 2026 graduates. We wish our grads every blessing as they work towards their future plans,” said Credo principal Kent Dykstra.

Fritz Douma retired this year after 36 years of teaching at Credo High and was invited to be a speaker at the school’s graduation ceremony. “God isn’t done with you yet!” he told the young adults. .

Building a legacy Langley’s public schools graduated more than 2,200 secondary students this spring. It’s in part due to the ongoing increase in student enrolment in Langley combined with the collective efforts of students, staff, and families working together to support students to reach their goals. The transition rate (grad rate) in the Langley School District is 97 per cent, which is higher than the provincial average.

“The district is incredibly proud to celebrate our growing number of graduates this year,” remarked superintendent Mal Gill. “Numbers aside, we recognize that each grad has their own unique story of hard work, success, and inspiration and we look forward to seeing them start a new stage of life,” he added. This year’s cohort of graduates have reached another significant symbol of success in education.

“This graduation class is the first generation of students to have journeyed through their 13 years recognizing Orange Shirt Day,” noted Candy Ashdown, Langley Board of Education chair. “We are pleased to see our grads lead the way in our journey of truth and reconciliation in our Langley community.” This year we had much to celebrate and throughout the summer we are taking a look at our top 10 videos from the 2025-2026 school year.

Number 10: The District’s Aboriginal Achievement Awards, which honour Indigenous students & celebrate graduating students, called Golden Eagles. pic.twitter.com/5RsHN7QKe4 — Langley Schools (@LangleySchools) July 3, 2026 Special ceremonies Brookswood Secondary was the first school to kick off grad season with its commencement ceremony June 15. More than 200 students accepted their diplomas in front of teachers, staff, friends and family.

“It was amazing to see all of our grads together being honoured for their accomplishments and to give them the opportunity to reflect on their time here,” said BSS principal Sean Juteau. “In line with our school vision, I know that our grads will be leaving us to positively shape our world through actions, words, and learning.” Tradition Grade 12 students across the district spend one of their last days hopping on school busses and heading back to their elementary and middle schools for their grad walks.

“Just seeing the young kids, how excited they were, and the effort they put in to be ready to greet our grads, with various posters, pictures, colouring, high fives,” said Virinder Braich, principal of Aldergrove Community Secondary, shortly after the grad walk at Parkside Centennial Elementary on Wednesday, June 17. Grad walks are also an opportunity for the next generation of learners to see where their hard work can lead. “I think it’s not only amazing for the grads but great for the kids in the elementary schools as well,” noted Braich.

Welcome funds This year, the Langley School District Foundation awarded 336 scholarships, most valued between $1,000 and $2,000, providing tangible support as graduates transition into post-secondary education or trades training. Among the recipients, Maya Shamkhi, of R.E. Mountain Secondary, received the Shewan Foundation Scholarship valued at $4,000 for her outstanding demonstration of civic service. “We are proud of all our recipients and are thrilled to celebrate their diverse pathways and recognize them for their achievements,” said Alicia Rempel, foundation executive director.

This year, Walnut Grove Secondary grad Noah Robinson has been selected to receive a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study engineering at the University of Waterloo. Robinson was nominated by the school’s scholarship committee for outstanding academic achievements. He is one of 100 winners across Canada being recognized for their excellence in engineering, science, technology, and math. .