Graduation season is here. This year, Garden Valley Collegiate and Northlands Parkway Collegiate will once again join forces to celebrate. 

Jade Hart and Brock Becker, who have attended the Grad Parade in the past to support their friends, look forward to participating this year in a different capacity — as members of the graduating Class of 2024. 

“I've attended the last two years for various people within my circle who've been graduating . . . and what I love is seeing all the suits and the dresses — seeing everybody dressed to the nines in a way that you don't really see them in school,” says Hart. “[I]t's really cool to see everybody come together and celebrate this really big moment.” 

Hart and Becker agree that while they are not exactly car enthusiasts, it is nonetheless exciting to see all the fun makes and models in the parade. “The entire thing is so enjoyable,” says Hart.  

The parade is a chance for graduates to shine. Becker says that the students tend to display their personalities and special interests at the event. Last year, a group even set up an entire dinner table on a trailer for the parade. “It’s definitely interesting,” says Becker.  

Hart says that her group of friends will “deck out” a truck with balloons and streamers for the occasion.  

“You can definitely tell how much people . . . care about [the parade] in how much effort they're putting into everything.”

 

2024 Grad Parade MapThe map for the 2024 Grad Parade

Although Hart and Becker have attended the parade in previous years, this year is special since they are themselves graduating.  

“To be honest, it doesn't quite feel real yet,” says Hart. “I think it'll all come to me in 2 months' time when I'm gearing up for university . . . . As for right now, it's very exciting.”  

For Becker, graduation is “very surreal.” 

Currently, there are about one hundred registrations for the parade, including individuals and groups registered as one. Hart expects that even more graduates will sign up before the parade on Thursday. 

The GVC and NPC parade will take place on June 20th at 7pm. Graduates will meet at the Meridian Exhibition Center at 6:15 to start lining up. Following the parade, there will be a fireworks display for all students and their escorts. The rain date for the event is June 21st.

Becker encourages students who wish to register to do so as soon as possible so that the organization process runs smoothly. Registration is available through student Teams accounts at both GVC and NPC.  

Community participation will make the difference for the 2024 graduates.  

“If you go [to the parade], I'm sure you will see someone you recognize no matter where you're from in the city or even outside of it. It's just a fun thing all around. It would be nice to see people there.” 

For more information about the parade or GVC After Grad 2024, see its Instagram page (gvcaftergrad2024). 

~With files from Connie Bailey~