Sun Peaks Secondary Academy celebrates the graduating class of 2026 

Sun Peaks Secondary Academy’s class of 2026 crossed the stage June 23, closing their high school chapter. 

Many scholarships were awarded to the students for their dedication to the community, hard work and outstanding academics. 

Sun Peaks Resort LLP awarded each graduate with $1,000, presented by chief operating officer Amy Blankeney . 

“These scholarships are not just a testament to your academic achievement, but also your exceptional character, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in our community,” Blakeney said. 

Nancy Greene Raine awarded the academic excellence scholarship to five applicants for $500 dollars each. 

“I know that you’re going to be successful in whatever you choose to do. It’s in you. It’s been built into you since the time you were born,” Greene Raine said. “The world’s your oyster. Enjoy it, enjoy the path.”

Other bursaries included a new community service scholarship for $500, a scholarship from Sun Peaks Excavation Ltd. and another from Vertical Cafe.

Ryder Mckenzie-White was recognized as the longest standing student in Sun Peaks being the first “unofficial preschooler.” Mckenzie-White has been supporting the community through volunteering since a young age, and received a scholarship from Vertical Cafe.

Julian Generaux was the valedictorian of the class and shared a heartfelt speech that touched on the loss of his father.

“Suffering is a universal experience in life, and I realized over the last year that the difficulties I’ve been through, even my dad’s passing, have driven me to become a better person,” he said. “I’ve taken what will hopefully be some of the worst days of my life and managed to pull motivation from me, and it’s because of that motivation I’m making this speech tonight.”

Generaux also thanked his current and past teachers and the grad committee.

“I would like to thank our parents and guardians for being there through our lives and putting their blood, sweat and tears into giving us the opportunities they may not have. I think our families play the greatest role in making us stay young,” he added. Generaux has been accepted into a university program to become an engineer. 

Mckenzie-White also gave a speech, dedicating a large portion to his fellow graduates and the unique community in Sun Peaks. 

“This community and this school are truly one of a kind,” he said. “Whether it was running to Mountain High for a slice… or being able to get a few laps on the mountain during our break, these are the moments that made growing up here so special.” 

The ceremony wrapped up with photo sessions, hugs, and congratulations to the students with a dinner at Morrisey’s pub to celebrate their accomplishments. 

“So, no matter where we go, even if it’s halfway across the world, we’ll always remember the cinnamon buns, the taste of dust after a long day of biking, the powder days, the trailer fries,” Ryder said. “Most importantly, we’ll always remember the community that made this place our home.” 

This year’s graduating class included: Taylor Escott, Julian Generaux, Tyler Heywood, Tommy Keep, Colton McHatten, Ryder Mckenzie-White, Porter Thomson and William Albert.

Editor’s Note: a previous version of this article incorrectly included a bursary provider. This has been corrected to state the company which provided the scholarship was Sun Peaks Excavation LTD.