Grad Cruise: Hamber’s New Tradition

Photo Credit: Kirsten Lee

For the second year in a row, graduating Hamber students were treated to an extravagant evening aboard a cruise ship to celebrate their last year at the school. With the first cruise being organized for the 2025 graduating class, the Grad Cruise has gained enormous popularity and is becoming an increasingly anticipated event.

The Grad Cruise consists of a night of harbour scenery, food, and dancing with over a hundred grade 12 students. Mr. N. Despotakis (Administration) is the one who organizes the entire event, from encouraging students to sign up to booking the excursion with Harbour Cruises. Mr. Despotakis said he puts together the grad cruise because “it's a great opportunity for grads to bond.” 

“Having  a group bonding experience at the beginning of the year just sets the tone for the rest of the year,” he said. “Kids always have lots of fun and it's very enjoyable.” 

The students who experienced the cruise largely agree with Mr. Despotakis’ sentiments.

“It was really fun, and while we were sailing, I was lucky [enough] to see a rainbow. I liked the whole night so much,” said Victoria Jaramilo (12), who did not hesitate to declare her experience a magical evening.

Meanwhile, May-Anne Lastica (12) couldn’t contain her love for the event. “I was having so much fun dancing that I didn’t even realize at first that the whole evening had passed,” she said. “The vibe was so nice and everybody was in such a good mood, it felt like the right way to say goodbye to our high school days.”