Vue lecture

A year after Jasper burned, the class of 2025 marks a graduation forged through fire

In the gymnasium of Jasper Junior/Senior High School last week, near the base of mountains covered with charred trees, the graduating seniors were enjoying a moment they will never forget, and one many worried wasn’t going to be possible.

Nearly one year ago, as wildfires forced the Alberta town to evacuate, the sad thought for many of those in suits and gowns up on the stage – most of whom have known each other their entire lives – was that they would not be able to spend their last year of high school together.

© Amir Salehi

After the pandemic and the wildfire disrupted previous years, graduating students from Jasper Junior/Senior High School worried they wouldn’t get to graduate together — but the school and community worked hard to give them a sense of normalcy.

Morning Update: The rise of dad influencers

Good morning. Ahead of Father’s Day, we take a look at the dads who want a more equal version of parenting to go viral. More on that below, plus renewed calls for a Gaza ceasefire and updates on wildfire evacuees. But first:

Today’s headlines

© Sarah B Groot

Olivia Frey, left, Shaun Frey and Zoe Frey, right, are photographed in their backyard on June 11.
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