Happy ending for 8 former Everest College students

It was an emotional day that marked a major milestone for the graduates, who shared many hugs and smiles with classmates, faculty, friends, family, and guests.

“It was a huge shock when Everest closed in February,” said Serena Williams, who graduated on Wednesday.

“We were so unsure about what would happen to us, and we didn’t know what to do except wait. After everything that’s happened, this feels amazing,” she said, with her certificate in hand.

Another graduate, Lorieann Whittaker, earned special distinction at the ceremony when she received the Academic Award of Excellence from Confederation for having the highest overall average of her graduating class.

Thanks to an agreement between Cambrian and Confederation, the former Everest students were able to resume classes May 4, using ministry-approved curriculum from Confederation and lab facilities at Cambrian.