It is with immense pride that I share a few reflections on our very first Capstone Presentation Night held on Monday. The Capstone project is the culmination of the Career-Life Connections 12 curriculum in BC, a mandatory graduation requirement that asks students to work on and present a project that bridges the gap between their senior school education and their future aspirations. Staff and parents alike were impressed by how they successfully transformed their interests into professional-grade inquiry projects.
In viewing the presentations this year, it is clear that our graduates didn’t just meet a requirement; they poured their hearts into their interests and passions. The variety of their new found skills and deep-dive into interests was a testament to the multifaceted young adults that make up the UA graduating class of 2026.
The diversity of interests ranged from creative feats like intricate hand-sewn costumes and an emotional graduation video, to technical projects featuring architectural designs and hands-on automotive maintenance. Their presentations featured physical discipline, such as rigorous bodybuilding regimens, and academic interests such as a complex sheep heart dissection. From the ‘tasty’ results of gourmet cooking projects, to the practicalities of financial planning and genealogical research, these projects proved our graduates are well-equipped with the diverse skills needed for their next chapters.
The goal of the Capstone project is to demonstrate that a student is ready for the ‘real world’. If this year was any indication, our seniors are more than ready. Wherever they are heading next, these projects proved they possess the self-reflection and grit necessary to chase their career dreams.
We are already looking forward to next year, but for now, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the Class of 2026.
In celebration of our graduates,
Clare Manifold
UA Middle & Senior School Acting Principal