Cochrane High School held its first grad ever at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre on June 3.

The curling centre was a comfortable setting for the 1,100 seats set out for the daytime convocation, then quickly converted into a brilliant new format for evening celebration Guests had a chance to sit at a selection of cocktail and banquet tables or comfy couches. Food stations were around the perimeter, and a photo booth was brought in for friends to snap a memory.

During the convocation, a series of speeches were followed by 180 graduates crossing the stage to receive a diploma, then have their tassels moved from right to left.

It was retiring teacher Rob McNab who lead the traditional cap toss.

Cochrane and Bow Valley High combined resources to allow for the evening celebration to be held back-to-back on June 3 and 4.

It is the first time in years, these evening celebrations have been held in Cochrane.