Reinhardt Blignaut, along with 150 of his classmates, will graduate from Northlands Parkway Collegiate today.

Blignaut, Co-President of student council, says he's excited to address his grade as valedictorian on Wednesday. "I thought it would be a cool way to end the year, as valedictorian, make a last memory for my classmates that will hopefully stay with them."

Reflecting on his class as a whole, he says everyone has a genuine love for each other. "You're gonna have some of your cliques, but everyone gets along, it's just a great atmosphere."

He notes one memorable moment was being pranked by his fellow student council members; Blignaut was told he needed to memorize the school song, only to realize after hours of research the school doesn't have a song.

Blignaut says a bittersweet moment will be saying goodbye to math teacher Michael Dyck. "He was just a great all-around guy... he explained math in such a way that really helped me pass the course with flying colours."

When addressing his class, he hopes to reiterate the importance of cherishing the memories they've made, "to keep them at the forefront of their minds," knowing everything changes on the other side of graduation.

"It's gonna get tough out in the real world... but they don't have anything to fear, I think we're all pretty capable and I know we can do great things."

After graduation Blignaut plans on attending the five month Bible school program Catch The Fire in Toronto

In total, 151 graduates will receive their diploma Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Check out our grad page here.