2026 Graduates – Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

2026 Graduates

Last updated on

July 2, 2026

Congratulations 2026 Graduates!

Many years of hard work have paid off! Please enjoy some moments from our graduations ceremonies from across our school district.

Indigenous Grad

On May 28th, Indigenous Graduation was hosted at Barsby Community School to celebrate the success of our Indigenous students.

More from our Indigenous Graduation Ceremony

Learning Alternatives

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - student walks across stage

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - student walks across stage

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - group photo of students in grad gowns

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - students pose for photos

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - students pose for photos

Learning Alternatives graduation ceremony - students line up in hallway prior to ceremony

Cedar

NDSS

Muku Mapayi
NDSS

Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
I want to leave a mark when my time in this world comes to an end. If I’m being honest, that’s the driving force behind many of the milestones I chase, including this one. I wanted to talk about an idea I’d been developing over the last two years. A question I wanted to answer: What could all 8.3 billion people on this planet have in common? The search for this answer led me to this conclusion: Everyone is on the pursuit of more. It’s what connects us all; we all want more of something. My pursuit has presented multiple challenges, and every grad is on their own pursuit, facing various challenges as well. I wanted to let them know that they will feel like giving up, like failures, disappointment, frustration, and will fall a couple of times, but it is so important that in those times we set our hearts ablaze, get back up, and keep going. For the sake of our dreams, ourselves, and the people we love.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
I can’t pick a single person because the credit goes to a vast number of people and places. So it’s everyone who’s ever believed in me, saw in me what at times I couldn’t see in myself. Parents, my sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, and friends.

What are you most excited about next?
I’m excited to continue my pursuit, and venture into the study of the law at University of Glasgow next year as well as use that chance to travel parts of Europe.

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
High school taught me to continue to be who I am, because human approval is thirst that can not be quenched, so win or lose, people we’ll talk anyways. I’m only in competition with myself.

If you could choose a song to walk across the stage as you graduate- what would it be?

One last time, by Christopher Jackson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton.

Dover Bay

Haitao Yuan
Dover Bay
Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
I wasn't planning to run for valedictorian until many of my friends told me I should. I was motivated by being able to speak at graduation and leave an impact on my graduation class.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
If I had to name one person, it might be Ian Xu, since he was the one that wanted me to be valedictorian the most and told me to run.

What are you most excited about next?
Going to university in Ontario where very few of my classmates are going and meeting new people.

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
High school taught me how to be more mature, the value of friendship, and that the most valuable skills can't be learned in a classroom.

If you could choose a song to walk across the stage as you graduate- what would it be?
I don't think I really want a specific song for when I walk across the stage. Maybe I'd choose Homecoming by Kanye West since I like listening to his songs and it fits the scenario.

Ladysmith Secondary

Tessa Cartwright-Massey
LSS

Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
Throughout this year, my biggest motivation has been to prove to myself that I can achieve my life long goals. Ever since my older brother graduated 12 years ago, I knew that I was going to reach for this goal. Not only have I always loved public speaking, I also love being able to share my appreciation for sense of community within our school, this has always been incredibly important to me. Community means family, and family is the most important thing.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
My biggest inspiration throughout this journey has been my amazing teachers at our school. Mrs Fink, Mr King, and Mrs Teneycke have been so supportive and encouraging with this process. They kept me motivated and were always there to give advice when I needed it. I will forever be so grateful for their support.

What are you most excited about next?
I am most excited about starting my next chapter at the University of Victoria! I am looking forward to discovering myself on a whole new level, and making new memories with new friends.

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
Independence

If you could choose a song to walk across the stage as you graduate- what would it be?
“Landslide” - by Fleetwood Mac

Tiana MacDonald
Ladysmith Secondary School
Indigenous Graduation Valedictorian
Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
My mother always pushing me to do my best and my principals, Shelley and Alistair- especially Alistair, he always called on me to help out and speak at events within the school and district.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
My mom was the valedictorian as well at her high school for the native kids and Emily Magyar (District Principal, Indigenous Education) who thought of me to be the valedictorian and giving me the opportunity to be the valedictorian. My teachers in the Land Based program and Indigenous Support Staff: Gena Marley, Brenda and Tanya and my Grandma for always being there for me to talk to. All my family, really, for always being my supports.

What are you most excited about next?
To grow…

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
That not everything is handed to you and you have to work Hard for what you want in life.

Advice to our Grads

Island ConnectED

Island ConnectED grad class group photo

Island ConnectED grad with her relative

Island ConnectED grad smiling to camera

Island ConnectED grad smiling to camera

Island ConnectED grad smiling to camera

Island ConnectED grad accepting diploma on stage

Island ConnectED grad teacher playing guitar on stage

John Barsby

Jenuka Ometh
Narasinghe Thiranagamage
John Barsby

Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
What kept me motivated was the desire to make the most of every opportunity and to become the best version of myself, both academically and personally.

Moving from Sri Lanka to Canada in November 2023 meant beginning an entirely new chapter in my life. Everything was new, new country, new school, new culture, new people, new environment and a completely new life.

While the transition was challenging, I was fortunate to join a community that made me feel welcomed from the very beginning.
The encouragement I received from my teachers, classmates, friends, and family inspired me to continually challenge myself and strive for excellence. Receiving recognition for excellence in pre-calculus 10 motivated me even further, and from that point onward, I pushed myself to achieve more, learn more, and grow every day.

What truly motivated me, however, was not just earning good grades. It was knowing that I represented something bigger than myself. I wanted to contribute positively to my school, support my peers, participate in clubs, sports, and activities, and give back to the incredible community that had given so much to me.

Being named Valedictorian is not simply a personal achievement, it represents the kindness, encouragement, and opportunities that helped shape my journey. It reflects everyone who believed in me along the way.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
I have been blessed to have many extraordinary people who have influenced my journey.

My parents have been my greatest role models. Their sacrifices, guidance, unconditional love, and unwavering belief in me have made every opportunity possible.

My beloved grandparents, whose values and wisdom continue to guide me even though they are no longer with us, laid the foundation upon which I built my dreams.

My brother, my lifelong friend and greatest supporter, whose encouragement, companionship, have been a constant source of strength throughout my journey.

But I would especially like to recognize the teachers and staff at John Barsby Secondary School.

From the very first day I walked through the doors of John Barsby, I experienced something truly special. Our counsellor welcomed my family and me with warmth, kindness, and understanding, turning what could have been an overwhelming experience into one filled with hope and confidence.

Every teacher I encountered made me feel valued, respected, and supported. They didn't simply teach lessons, they built relationships. They encouraged me, challenged me, celebrated my successes, and helped me through difficulties.

They were not only educators; they were mentors, leaders, role models, and sometimes even like friends and parents.

They saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself.

They uplifted me, shaped me, and inspired me to become the person I am today.

I can honestly say that if I stand here today as Valedictorian, much of the credit belongs to the remarkable teachers and staff at John Barsby Secondary School. Their impact on my life will remain with me forever.

What are you most excited about next?
I am excited to begin the next chapter of my journey at the University of Calgary, where I will pursue a degree in Architecture. Architecture is a field that beautifully combines creativity, innovation, engineering and problem-solving; qualities that have always inspired me. I look forward to learning, growing, and one day contributing to communities by designing spaces that improve people's lives. At the same time, I am excited to meet new people, embrace new challenges, and continue making a positive impact wherever life takes me.

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
High school taught me that success is not measured only by achievements, but by the character we build, the relationships we cherish, and the positive impact we have on others. It taught me the importance of perseverance, kindness, leadership, and believing in ourselves. Most importantly, it taught me that no matter where we come from or how different our journeys may be, we are capable of overcoming challenges, supporting one another, and achieving extraordinary things together.

If you could choose a song to walk across the stage as you graduate- what would it be?
The message behind this song deeply resonates with me because it reminds us that with determination, perseverance, humility and belief in ourselves, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

The lyrics celebrate dreams, hard work, and making a positive difference in the world, values that have guided me throughout my journey.

As I walk across the stage with my fellow graduates, I believe this song would perfectly capture the spirit of the Class of 2026. A class defined not only by achievements, but by resilience, kindness, teamwork, and the belief that our best days are still ahead of us.

John Barsby grads before the ceremony

John Barsby grads before the ceremony

John Barsby grads before the ceremony

John Barsby grads before the ceremony

John Barsby grads before the ceremony

Wellington

Heather Forrester
Wellington Secondary Congratulations! You are graduating and you are a valedictorian this year. That’s amazing! What kept you motivated to reach this milestone?
What kept me motivated was knowing that every assignment, test, and challenge was helping me work toward my future goals. I also wanted to make myself and my family, my teachers, and the people who supported me proud. Staying involved in Outdoor Education and Girl Guides helped remind me to keep pushing myself and never give up.

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to become valedictorian?
My family has had the biggest impact on my journey. They have always encouraged me to work hard, believe in myself, and keep going when things got difficult. I’m also grateful for the for my Girl Guide leader, Kevin Breakey, and friends who supported me along the way.

What are you most excited about next?
I am excited to attend university and pursue nursing at Vancouver Island University. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, learning new skills, and continuing to explore the outdoors while working toward a career where I can help others.

Fill in the blank: “High school taught me ”.
High school taught me that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

If you could choose a song to walk across the stage as you graduate- what would it be?

"Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis because it reflects the determination, resilience, and excitement that carried me through high school and into the future.