Yesterday (June 9), St. Martin de Porres celebrated it's senior class at their graduation.

The ceremony was held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, with the convocation preceeded by a mass.

Once the mass was finished, the graduates recieved congratulatory messages from Linda Wellman on behalf of the Calgary Catholic Board of Trustees, and Director of Area C Schools John MacDonald. Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt and Mayor Peter Brown were also in attendance.

Principal Greg Masterson addressed the graduates, focusing on the school's pillars of mentorship, fellowship and leadership. Masterson compared their achievement to finishing an epic climb, saying there is a sense of accomplishment but also another peak to summit. Masterson said he knows these Kodiaks are up for the task.

The graduates crossed the floor to recieve their certificates, and then it was time to hear from Valedictorian Nadia Hand. As she was introduced, her classmates gave her a standing ovation, and cut off Master of Ceremonies Jean MacIntyre with their loud applause and cheers. Hand's message to her peers was to stay true to what they believe in, to work hard, and to pick themselves up when they fail, knowing people around them would support them.

The graduates dismissed to the church's parking lot for photos with their families.

Following the ceremony, Masterson also reflected on what made the Class of 2017 unique, saying the group is tightly knit.

"You know what I think really spoke to it was this is the first time I've seen the valedictorian get a standing ovation before she even spoke, and that just speaks to how tight this group is, what a sense of community and fellowship, and that just really stands out for me."

Hand took some time to reflect on what graduation meant for her.

"It just symbolizes what we've been through to get here, because school's pretty difficult I must say. To finally get to this point is pretty amazing."

For student Nolan Jensen, graduation is a significant milestone.

"It's just reaching a goal in life, I guess. It's another step in life. It's not the biggest, but it's up there. Moving on, growing up. It's just a part of life I think."

The graduates will continue to celebrate with their banquet today (June 10).