407 students are graduating from Steinbach Regional Secondary School Tuesday.

Principal Sherry Bestvater says this group of students has been very involved in the school from link crew to social justice, sports, drama, musicals, and are strong academically.

"They are looking for the whole high school experience, so they've been involved in a lot of our new initiatives. This class was the first to be leaders for link crew and they've revived the student council that was dormant for awhile. They are into social justice and working with students with special needs such as the program Swim Ability and Best Buddies."

Bestvater adds 120 students of the graduates have indicated they will be pursuing post-secondary education come fall, a number she says is high for the school. 

Valedictorian Dustin Erickson says being given the honour of representing his class has been a dream of his since he was a child and it's surreal to have it become a reality.

Erickson notes what he thinks makes his graduation unique is, "[besides] being the last graduating class that's solely kids born in the '90's, I think it's the sense of community between all of us. I can go through the hallways and any graduate I can walk up to them and they are eager to share a conversation."

He notes going forward onto the next stage of life he will miss the connection he had with his teachers, adding in university a class has a couple hundred students to one teacher versus thirty students to one teacher.

"The final thing I'd like my graduates to know is, don't be afraid to follow your dreams. Pursue your passions and take a risk every once in a while, high risk often reaps high rewards. Just go out there and represent the graduating class as best you can."

Bestvater says she hopes this group of graduates continues to learn and try new things, take risks and find what they truly love. She adds, as the grad motto states, she hopes they go out into the world and 'Be Legendary'.