222 diplomas handed out at PCI Grad

Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) completed its graduation ceremony in two parts on June 26. Two ceremonies were held, and 222 grads crossed the stage and received their diplomas.

Paige Finney came away with the Governor General's Award, a medal presented to one student per school with the highest marks in their Grade 11 and 12 years. She expresses her excitement at not only graduating but winning the award as well.

"It's been great so far. I've been to a few graduations for siblings and stuff, but it was just great to see all the friends I grew up with going through that with me," Finney continues. "Honestly, it feels great. I'm the youngest of four kids, and we always joked that I'm the last chance, so it does feel great to actually get it."

Paige Finney with her Governor General's Medal

Annaliya Hofman and Paige Griffin grew up together, and Hofman shared that they were thrilled to achieve this milestone together.

"There's a lot of memories with this, we're always going to have each other."

"It's crazy, we never thought we would graduate together. We've known each other our whole lives but gone to different schools. So, it's crazy how it worked out. In our last year of school, we ended up at the same school and got to graduate together. The stars kind of aligned for us," smiled Griffin.

The duo will be going to the University of Manitoba together and added that they would "hopefully graduate together again."

Paige Griffin (left) and Annaliya Hofman (right)

Former Portage Terrier Jordan Murray also graduated with the class, after joining the Cranbrook Bucks of the BCHL. Murray studied remotely while in British Columbia and says it took a lot of support from those working at PCI.

"It was great. All the teachers helped me manage my courses, staying online. They were very helpful whenever I needed any help with anything. I'm very thankful for that. And coming back here and being with some of my friends from school, it's great to experience that."

Jordan Murray after getting his diploma

PortageOnline congratulates everyone who graduated from PCI on June 26, 2024!