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.