This is a special issue.
Not just because it celebrates the graduates from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. No. Despite the fact that this year’s class deserves all the acclaim and attention for having made it through both a global pandemic—their last year at the Elementary School was disrupted for four months due to Covid, and they entered high school under pandemic restrictions—as well as the tragedy this year which disrupted school in Tumbler Ridge for…well, it’s still not back to normal, and probably won’t be for a long, long time.
But this is also literally a special issue. When I began this year, I had no intention of publishing a grad issue between two regular editions of the paper.
But with all that’s happened with school this year, I wanted to create a special celebration of this year’s grads, especially since the grad ceremony isn’t open to the public.
Most of the paper is dedicated to images of the grads themselves. If you’re wondering why Addison and Amy and Amy-Lynn are on the front cover while Tyson and Zachary are on the back, it is not because one group gets special preferential treatment and the other group is relegated to the end, it is simply that they are listed in alphabetical order, by first name.
There is an old saying that it takes a community to raise a child. While that isn’t as true as it might have once been, it is still an important thing to remember.
While you may or may not be a parent/grandparent/sibling/uncle or aunt to one of these young people, you can still have a positive influence in their lives. You can also have a negative one. Strive to be a shining light to these grads. Be willing to help pitch in and lend a helping hand as they seek to navigate the unknown future.
And if you can’t help, and the very least, don’t hinder. Don’t deliberately and with malice of forethought toss up barriers in front of the grads.
And for the graduating class of 2026, what can I say to you? You’ve gone through so much, just to reach this point in time.
Know that you are defined not by the hardships you faced (and you have been through so many), but by the strength you showed in overcoming them.
You navigated the uncertainty of a global pandemic, adapted to constant change, and carried forward through challenges that nobody should have to endure. In the face of fear, you found courage. In moments of loss, you showed compassion. In times of disruption, you demonstrated resilience, determination, and hope.
Know that, in the darkest moments, community, kindness, and perseverance can light the path forward. As you step into the future, carry with you the knowledge that you are stronger than you know, more capable than you imagine, and ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Or, you know, whatever it was that Christopher Robins said to Pooh Bear.
And if you find yourself out there in the big wide world, lost and alone, know that this place is always home, and this community is yours, too.
But for now, go out there and make a dent in the world. Change the world for the better.
We believe in you. Go. Kick some butt.
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Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
