Families and friends celebrated the near-400 École Secondaire Notre Dame High School students at a graduation ceremony in Red Deer on Thursday.
"The teachers here at Notre Dame are phenomenal. I've made a lot of friends here that I'll have for the rest of my life. I've loved pretty much every moment of (being a student at Notre Dame)," said Samuel Koett, the Class of 2024's valedictorian.
Koett will head to the University of British Columbia next year, with the goal of becoming a doctor. He said he was proud to serve as his graduating class' valedictorian.
"Being valedictorian was a huge honour, especially with a class as big as this," said Koett.
"Coming here and seeing how many people there are, it's a surreal feeling. I don't think I've fully registered the whole occasion yet."
Ike Hanna, principal of Notre Dame, said Thursday's graduation will be a moment the students will never forget.
"It's a tremendous occasion. These students have worked so hard these last three years. We're so proud that they're here today. They're going to do amazing things," Hanna said, adding students raised money for this year's graduation service.
"I joined these students at Notre Dame three years ago. It's really special to be able to shake their hands as they crossed the stage today. I also have to give kudos to our amazing staff. They supported our students along the way – they've done a tremendous job."
The ceremony also serves as a tribute to the families who supported the graduates, Hanna noted.
"It's a monumental occasion for them, as these parents have supported their child through 13 years of school. This is a big celebration for them and all the dedication they've had for these students," he said.
Notre Dame is part of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. St. Joseph High School also celebrated its graduation ceremony on Thursday at the school's gym.
All Red Deer high schools have now completed their Class of 2024 graduation ceremonies.