The class of 2021 is welcomed to the ceremony in front of friends and family. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

By Ian Gustafson

A new Beginning

PACI celebrates graduates with drive-in ceremony

Jun 25, 2021 | 6:39 PM

The Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI) celebrated the class of 2021 in Prince Albert Friday afternoon.

Forty-two students walked across the stage to accept their high school diploma in front of their families. To abide by the COVID-19 health restrictions, friends and family watched from inside or near their vehicles five metres apart in front of the stage.

Friends and family gathered in their vehicle to watch the graduation. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

Principal of the school David Lokinger said although he couldn’t put a time frame on it, it has been a while since graduation was held at the school.

Last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they did the graduation over zoom and had an abbreviated grand march on 20^th street.

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“This year, we’re really fortunate we get to get our entire PACI family together to celebrate their graduation,” Lokinger said. “You can see there’s vehicles that are decorated up and our students and everyone is just so excited for this. This is so awesome that we can do this.”

Principal David Lokinger talks to the crowd during the graduation ceremony. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

They held the cap and gown ceremony followed by a grand march for the students to show off their dresses and suits.

He explained this class persevered more than any other class he’s seen before in his time working at the high school.

“This class really stuck with it and their Grade 11 year got cut short, a lot of their extracurricular got cut short and they’re just a wonderful group of people to work with and grads to work with. The parents have been so understanding and accommodating while we’re trying to plan these events out and it’s such a good thing,” he said.

One student accepts their diploma. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12