MacGregor Collegiate Institute held its 2022 Graduation ceremony this past Tuesday, and everyone was thrilled to be back in person for the event.

Principal Kyle McKinstry says it was an amazing day.

"We were back to normal, essentially -- our Back-To-Normal Grad," says McKinstry. "We had our gym packed to the rafters with friends and family. We managed to get 34 graduates across the stage this year to to graduate from MCI."

He says many amazing kids highlighted this year's event.

"All of our scholarships were handed out," continues McKinstry. "We have our students apply for the scholarships. We put some onus back on the students to, number one, identify the scholarships that they feel that they would be eligible for. And then they must come up with a cover letter and resume that they attach to it, and that goes to our scholarship selection committee for the selections." 

McKinstry says two valedictorians took to the stage this year: Bowdie Smith and Clarke Turner. 

"They gave a really great speech during our convocation ceremony," adds McKinstry. "We had 19 honour students this year, so that's 19 students out of our 34 graduates who managed to have an overall average of 80 per cent or higher during their Grade 12 year. We had 11 students graduate with distinction. So, at MCI, we give out the Distinction Award honour when a student obtains accrues 36 credits or more during their high school years. Our Governor General Academic Medal winner was Jordan Wiebe this year." 

He adds they're so happy to be back to normal and see their families face-to-face again, noting the day was perfect.

"We got to celebrate, have a meal together at our banquet, listen to a lot of the students speak, and talk about their excellent high school experience at MacGregor," says McKinstry.