The Eighth Avenue Learning Centre honoured 54 of its graduates at the Alberni District Secondary School auditorium on Thursday, June 19.
They were a group of people, that, for whatever reason, didn’t fit into a traditional school system. They were young adults, parents, and even grandparents earning their diplomas later in life. There were even young students who used the program to accelerate their educational journeys, earning diplomas ahead of schedule.
There were several Nuu-chah-nulth graduates in the group and the evening got off to a Nuu-chah-nulth start with words of welcome from Tseshaht’s Aaron Watts and Hupacasath’s Serena Mayer. Tamiko Rampanen, a Tseshaht First Nation councillor, also welcomed the crowd, saying that she also graduated from Eighth Avenue Learning Centre years before.
Principal Nick Seredick welcomed the guests and acknowledged that the celebration was taking place in the territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, as did SD 70 Board Chair, Pam Craig. Both educators delivered their remarks in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, as well as in English.
Craig congratulated the graduates, telling them that education is a constant journey and their diplomas represent a huge step in many more successes.
SD 70 Superintendent Peter Klaver also spoke in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
“We are here to celebrate the courage, resilience and achievement of every graduate here,” he said.
He thanked the community and families for creating a space that allowed this class to succeed.
“Congratulations class of 2025, we are proud of you!” he told them.
Principal Seredick also congratulated the students, acknowledging that some of them faced uphill challenges on their road to success.
“For some of you, this (alternative education) is the best fit for you. Some of you are carrying very heavy loads…anger, self-doubt, disconnection,” he shared.
By sticking with the program, Seredick said they proved to themselves that they can grow, they can succeed.
“You’ve learned how to rise when life knocks you down,” he told them.
He thanked the families and friends of the graduates as well as the staff, “from the custodians and bus drivers to the teachers and administrators,” for offering this connection with the students and never, ever giving up.
To the graduates, Seredick said, “You are stepping into the future, and you have proof that you can do it. As your principal, I am incredibly proud of you.”
Vice-Principal Lisa Fryer said that this is her 18th VAST (former name of Eighth Avenue Learning Centre) grad. She invited the class valedictorian, Stephen Mack Jr., to say a few words before she handed out diplomas.
With is grandfather, Steve Lucas Sr. by his side, Mack thanked him for sharing his strength and love. The elder drummed a celebration song for the graduating class.
“Eighth Avenue Learning Centre is not just students,” said Mack Jr. “We are individuals with stories. We work with our hands outside and we celebrate culture, diversity and individuality.”
He went on to say that what he and his classmates had at EALC was not only what they learned, but also how the teachers made them feel.
“We feel like we belong here, like we matter,” said Mack.
Mack said their success came not from fitting a mold, but from showing up and doing the work.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of diplomas to the graduates.
