Annie He/ Staff reporter

The grad dinner and dance is back this year after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. The event will be held on June 17 at the Vancouver convention center from 6 to 11 pm. However, no guests are allowed to participate, and every attendee must dress formally as well as maintain good standing, fulfilling all their obligations.

“It is one of the beautiful and elegant events of young persons’ life and also the last school event for the student body to hang out with each other. They will enjoy the great dinner and beautiful dance that night,” said Mark Liao, science teacher.

Over 240 of the 308 grade 12 students have already registered to attend. Allen Li, grade 12, believed the event would be appealing, exciting, and meaningful for all the grads.

“I really appreciated that we can have the dinner and dance to help us relax and have fun this year, and I also look forward to seeing my friends in formal clothing instead of casual wear,” said Alissa Xiang, grade 12. “It will be unforgettable to all of us.”

For the past two years, there was no dinner and dance offered to students due to the pandemic. Gleneagle 2021 alumni, Zoe Zheng, said “I’m very glad that everything is returning to normal and happy to hear that this year’s students will have a fuller graduation experience.”

“It is time to celebrate their achievements and struggles, successes and failures, tears and laughter, and all the things that help make them today,” added Zheng.

The event is still in preparation, several changes were made compared to the past, and teachers are trying to hire a DJ, food, and equipment. “It is a massive work to do because we haven’t done it for a couple of years, but we will work hard to make sure that it is going to be a great event for all the grads,” said Liao.

The school will also provide students transportation because of the remote location. According to the Gleneagle Talon Talk, participants who want to take the bus can go to the office to see Lisa Chan, the school accountant, to make purchases and reservations.

“I really wish every grad takes advantage for pictures, to talk to other grads to say goodbye and farewell and to wish everyone the best of the luck as they move forward in a new adventure and next part of their lives,” said Kelly Zimmer, vice principal.