Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 27/05) - Actors, student council members, scholarship winners, young mothers - you name it, the 2005 grad class of St. Patrick high school has it.

The 95 Grade 12 students walking out the door and into the world are a diverse lot, according to assistant principal Colleen McDonald.

McDonald, along with staff and students at the school, took time out from planning graduation ceremonies to muse about the most recent class of graduates.

"They are a close class and a very caring class as well," she said.

"A lot of these kids, along with being academic, have been involved in sport as well," said McDonald.

The class includes Sheena Sangris, the regional recipient of the most outstanding Aboriginal athlete in Canada award, handed out by the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

Kirstin Mahler and Antonio Babic, who both scored $15,000 scholarships to the University of Alberta for their 95 per cent averages, will also walk down the convocation aisle on the weekend.

Students prepped for the ceremonies that start tonight with a rehearsal midweek. Briony Wright and Mahler stopped to ponder their class.

"We are very close knit together. We've shared a lot of moments over the years," said Wright, 18.

While the group shares a sense of community, they really are a diverse lot, added Mahler, 17. Both grads admitted to a touch of nervousness before donning their graduation finery.

"It's scary, just because of what it symbolizes. But it is exciting," said Mahler.

Much like the Sir John graduation of two weeks ago, the party starts with the grand march into the gym Friday night, followed by a dance and slide show.

Graduates and families are invited to a special mass at the St. Patrick church on Saturday morning before heading to the convocation ceremony back at the school at 2 p.m.

This year's alcohol-free grad is at the Community Arena and pool, with a barbecue for students and their families beforehand.