Valedictorians of ECSD

About:

Nathan arrived at Louis St. Laurent Catholic Junior/Senior High School in 2018 after attending St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School and has been an active member of the community for the past six years. He has been regularly involved in athletics and other programs within the school, having been on several volleyball, basketball, and curling teams. This year he was named the “Unsung Hero” of the Varsity Men’s Volleyball team for his skills and encouraging attitude. Nathan has also given back to his school community by volunteering to help coach the junior high athletes in his free time. Despite being involved outside of school hours, Nathan maintained an impressive academic standing at LSL. He has made the honour roll or the principal’s list for all six years he attended. He will continue his academic pursuits at the University of Alberta next year, where he will be studying engineering. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton?
During this time of the year, it is hard not to say the Edmonton Oilers and the sports culture as a whole. The way the city connects during our annual playoff runs really highlights the inclusive and passionate attitudes of Edmonton residents. Along with this, I find the way Edmontonians connect through sports and the outdoors as a whole really powerful. It is not often you will drive by a green space during the spring/summer and not see soccer fields full of kids playing or diamonds not filled with slo-pitch games. We truly use our beautiful outdoor spaces to connect with each other.

2. Who is your hero?
My hero is my papa, as he taught me how to be strong, independent, and compassionate. My papa grew up in a farming community in southern Alberta and spent lots of his free time working on the farm to support his family. In his adult years he worked several different jobs in many different fields, including oilfield worker, gas station attendant, commercial trucker, and cement plant employee. Due to his long hours and dedication, he was able to capably raise his three kids with love and care, and he was able to afford for all of them to go to college. Along with this, he served as his town’s volunteer fire chief, showing his compassion and dependability. His lifetime devotion to family, friends, and an overall greater community has played a big part in inspiring me to pursue a career in engineering, where I am able to hopefully help countless people and strengthen my community.

3. What is your favourite quote or expression?
Growing up, my father would always tell me and my sisters, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.” Although it is not super deep and was usually only used after a disagreement between me and my sisters, it has helped me remember to treat every situation with compassion and helped me build strong connections with classmates, teachers, and co-workers.

4. What one word best describes your graduating class?

Independent.

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups?

In today’s society, I find stereotypes between different groups of race, political ideology, or sexuality are becoming increasingly more noticeable and are a big factor in today’s division. These preconceived notions limit connections between groups and damage relationships. From personal experience, I find that seeing people as individuals rather than as members of a certain group helps break down barriers and create inclusion. Approaching interactions with open-mindedness and having intentional conversations with people have shown me that everyone is worthy of respect and capable of good.

About:

Ariana Filiplic is truly the living definition of academic rigour and hard work. As a true St. Joe's Saint, Ariana has worked tirelessly throughout her high school career to maintain an outstanding academic standing, participate in countless clubs such as Students' Union and Model UN, and volunteer her time towards multiple school activities. Ariana has earned every accolade achieved by modeling an impeccable work ethic as well as an unfathomable attention to detail. Ariana was born and raised right here in Edmonton. Growing up and continuing to this day, Ariana pursues her passion as a figure skater, and in her free time, she coaches skating classes for children who aspire to learn the sport. She also loves traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

Edmonton is truly a unique city; I believe that nowhere else in the world is quite like here. My favourite thing about Edmonton is the sense of community, which is unmatched. It is astonishing to me that a city with a metro population of over a million residents can still have that small-town, tight-knit community feel. From the way many of us rally for our sports teams to how the city comes together from our many phenomenal festivals and events and how we support one another during trying times. Many of us feel connected to one another and have found a sense of belonging within our city despite our ever-growing size, which is something truly special and difficult to replicate. 

2. Who is your hero? 

To me, a hero is someone who can do it all; someone who is on top of their game in every area of life but maintains kindness and composure always. With that being said, my hero is my mom. My mom is a remarkable woman; she is the smartest woman I know and has an incredible professional career. Nonetheless, she still finds time to prioritize both my family and me. She is also the most selfless person I know, which makes her not just an incredible mom but an incredible person. For that reason, she is and will forever be my hero. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

I would have to say that my favourite quote comes from the infamous Irish novelist, Oscar Wilde. It goes, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” While that quote may be over a century old, I feel as though its deeper meaning holds even more value in present-day society. We live in a world where it seems that everybody is trying to conform…trying to fit in with one another. In contrast, Wilde's quote encourages everybody to remain true to themselves because every single one of us was created to be uniquely different. It is for that reason that if more people remained true to themselves, society would be better off. 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

If I had to choose only one word to describe the over 400 students in my graduating class, I would have to go with the word determined. Even though many of us are going our separate ways next year from university to trades or even entering directly into the workforce, every single person I know has a goal. I am confident that no matter what curveballs life throws at my graduating class, our determination will allow us to persist and to accomplish the many different goals we have set our minds to. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

In today's day and age, I believe people are becoming increasingly fractured and divided. I believe the root of division within our world comes from the inability to listen with an open mind to one another. As young leaders, I believe we need to encourage our peers and governments to take a step back and use one of the most primal methods of conflict resolution: communication. When groups communicate with each other with an open mind, without already coming to conclusions, it is much more likely that peaceful solutions can be attained, and a better world can be created for all. 

About:

Marco grew up in Edmonton, attending Sister Annata Brockman from K-9 and then St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. He is a high-level academic Advanced Placement student who was our MC for our Awards Ceremony and spoke highly about our AP Program to future students. Marco loves to read non-fiction books, is a runner, and is attending Western University next year to study business. He is also currently an intern at venture capital firm where he is gaining insight and knowledge to further his future career in business. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

I’d say nature. The river valley. The paths. It’s the best place to run. 

2. Who is your hero? 

Charlie Munger. He was an investor, philanthropist, and so wise. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

“Once you know the way broadly, you will see it in everything.” - Myamoto Musashi. 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Optimistic. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

Sometimes, we become so focused on our political and cultural differences that we lose sight of something far more important—our shared humanity. Beneath the surface, most of us are striving for the same things: a sense of belonging, safety for our families, opportunities to grow, and hope for a better future. 

What we often fail to realize is that we are far more alike than we are different. When we take the time to truly listen and understand one another, we begin to see that our values align more than we imagined. It's only when we move beyond division and embrace empathy that we can come together, not just as individuals or groups, but as a stronger, more united society. 

By recognizing our common ground, we open the door to more meaningful collaboration and lasting progress. 

About:

Natalie Vargek’s family is from Enoch, Alberta, and One Arrow, Saskatchewan. She grew up travelling a lot and lived in Pritchard, Chase, Kamloops, Calling Lake, and Edmonton. Her Indigenous culture is important to her because it makes her feel more connected with family and brings a sense of belonging. Many things that interest Natalie include being outdoors, playing sports, painting, beading, sewing, cooking, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. At school, Natalie enjoys helping the staff prepare lunches and decorating the school for the holidays, and she started Spirit Week. The goal of Spirit Week was to build a stronger school community among the students. Natalie has a big interest in helping families or struggling individuals. She has a passion for guiding people and supporting them in finding the right path. Natalie enjoys caring for children as well as teaching them. She had the opportunity to participate in Reading Buddies at a community elementary school as well as a nearby daycare. Natalie plans to pursue a career as an administrative professional and will be taking the Dual Credit program with Edmonton Catholic Schools in the fall. In the future, Natalie also hopes to expand her interest in counselling, teaching, and social work. 

Natalie’s goal is to visit and explore other countries and eventually help people from all over the world. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

My favourite part of Edmonton is the unity and sense of pride the Oilers bring. As someone who grew up playing street hockey and ice skating, hockey brings me a sense of nostalgia and belonging. With everything going on in the world, coming to an agreement with a large group of people is difficult, but at least we can all agree the Oilers are the best! 

2. Who is your hero? 

In my story, I am my own hero. A hero is defined as someone who saves us or someone we can depend on. In our lives, sometimes we don’t have a hero that supports us and sweeps us off our feet, but, in my case, I am my own hero; I choose to motivate and pick myself back up every time. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

“I promise you that there is nothing more rewarding than showing up in the world for other people, no matter how hard it may be." - Hamdi Ulukaya 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

I would describe this graduating class as determined. When I think about fellow classmates who are graduating, I think of the dreams they speak so highly about in the hallways and recognize the talent each person holds. I believe this graduating class will take advantage of that talent and make something out of it. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

We should teach and inspire youth to socialize with unfamiliar faces and have empathy for one another. We need to teach youth to appreciate and accept others for who we are as human beings. 

About:

For the past six years, Isaac Bussière has made a lasting impact on the J. H. Picard community through his dedicated volunteerism, commitment to excellence, and engagement in school life. He will graduate as a fluent, bilingual French speaker who has distinguished himself across academics, athletics, service, and the fine arts. A competitive CrossFit athlete, Isaac competed in Hungary last December in the International Functional Fitness Federation World Championships, earning an impressive 2nd place nationally and 5th place globally. Isaac will continue his pursuit of academic greatness while studying Kinesiology next year at the University of Alberta, where he is certain to embrace every opportunity for learning and meaningful involvement in campus life.

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

The diversity: plenty of restaurants, Oilers games, and an endless variety of activities for a group of friends. You'll never be left without a new pastime to explore in the city. 

2. Who is your hero? 

Mat Fraser, because, as a fellow athlete, he embodies the idea of unrelenting sacrifice of time and energy in order to achieve your goals.  

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Intimate 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

Ultimately, young leaders must strive to make personal connections, not only with those that share their same perspectives and values, but especially with those that believe the opposite. There is no perfectly just opinion, no objective truth on how to govern a society; this requires significant collaboration, understanding, and a certain level of empathy. There is a lot to be learned from making sense of our differences. 

About:

Olivia, born and raised in Edmonton, attends Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School and is planning to study Nutrition and Food Science (Dietetics) at the University of Alberta this fall. She has been consistently active in her school and community, currently serving as a Student Council Vice President and member of the Grad Committee. She played various sports, focusing on cross country and basketball in high school, and was co-captain of the Senior Women’s Basketball Team. She has received multiple academic and athletic awards over the course of junior high and high school, including the Chief Superintendent's Award of Excellence (2022), Honours with Distinction, Highest Overall Academic Average, and the U of A Gold Standard Scholarship, for her efforts. Olivia volunteers at MacTaggart Place Retirement Residence, tutors students, and works at the University of Alberta Hospital as a food service attendant. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

My favourite thing about Edmonton is the amount of open, natural space the city offers. Whether it’s one of our huge parks or the paths along the gorgeous river valley, Edmonton really is a beautiful city. I appreciate every day the amount of space I have outside to walk, run, and bike.

2. Who is your hero? 

My heroes are Rosalind Franklin and Katherine Johnson. Franklin, whose x-ray crystallography technique famously led to Photograph 51 and our eventual understanding of the structure of DNA, and Johnson, whose calculations of orbital mechanisms as a NASA employee were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflight, both overcame tremendous gender and racial hurdles in their careers while still making two of the most important discoveries in history. As two of the greatest female minds to contribute to the pursuit of knowledge and science, their work in their respective disciplines, as well as their determination and commitment to science and math have inspired me on more levels than I could possibly articulate. Not only am I able to learn all of the things I love to learn in school due, at least in part, to their contributions, but I am motivated to keep pursuing my passions because of them. Additionally, they gave me a deep-seated appreciation for my mother, who is also a hero of mine, and many of the other female figures in my life whose work still often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

My favourite quote is “Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't.” by Jerry Rice. When I first heard this statement, it resonated with the part of me that always questioned if working so hard was worthwhile. This quote, in a way that made more sense to me than any other clichéd expression, told me that yes, hard work and perseverance through challenging tasks may be undesirable, but are in fact worth it. These qualities will open up a plethora of opportunities in life; and the only criteria necessary to access those opportunities is not to be the smartest or the most athletic or the best at one particular skill, but to be the most willing to try and fail and try again and to just show up.  

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Our graduating class can best be described by the word diverse. When I walk around the school every day, I see and interact with all of these distinct individuals who not only appear different, but who have different perspectives, opinions, personalities, passions, and goals. We all lead separate lives, both in and out of school, but what makes our graduating glass so special is our ability to share all of those things with one another, whether through debates in social class, pep rallies, sports games, art displays, music performances, dance and theater productions, and so much more, and to have everyone appreciate those differences. Those differing traits are what make school, and life, interesting.

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

Everyone has contrasting views and opinions, but what makes a leader excellent is their ability to listen to and appreciate other perspectives. Leading is not about conforming or forcing followers to fit into one uniform group; it's about being open and accepting of that the act of considering different perspectives and finding some sort of common ground is what eventually gives the best outcomes. The most significant step that leaders, and people in general, can do to tackle current day issues is to educate themselves on opposing sides, whether through the act of listening to others or independent research, and then having genuine and transparent discussions about how to best tackle that issue. 

About:

Kalen is a young man who exemplifies the qualities of a class valedictorian. He is driven, passionate, hardworking, and caring. He has had academic success in high school, as he has been a Schulich Award nominee, is on track to be an AP Scholar, and has won many academic awards during his high school career. He will continue to challenge himself academically as he begins his post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta this fall. This pursuit of academic excellence has turned Kalen into a leader who encourages those around him to challenge themselves and set their own academic aspirations. Along with his academic achievement, Kalen has displayed a passion for making his school community a more positive place. He has volunteered as part of the Student Union and has been involved in running many events that make student life more fun at Archbishop O’Leary.

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

My favourite thing about Edmonton is the atmosphere in the city whenever the Oilers are in the playoffs. We as a city are able to come together periodically, moving differences aside, to follow our shared passion: an Oilers Stanley Cup run. Whether it is downtown at the watch party or at your nearest Boston Pizza, our city is able to unite behind the simultaneously nerve-wracking and exhilarating way our players are able to represent this inspiring city. Furthermore, it allows us to represent this beautiful country we all call home; as we rep the blue and orange, we are serving as a delegate for our nation in the increasingly rocky relationship with our southern neighbour. 

2. Who is your hero? 

Being a tennis fan my entire life, I grew up watching the end of the “Big Three” reign, with one of them distinguishing himself from the two others, Roger Federer. I fell in love with his swift and almost poetic on-court motion, even adopting his elegant one-handed backhand myself. But the most compelling attribute of him was his off-court persona; he was the epitome of class and a role model to countless people, leading many, myself included, to value the importance of humility at any point in one's life. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

“Do or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

One word to describe the Archbishop O’Leary graduating class of 2025 is that they are driven. Our school has a surplus of amazing programs, from our multitude of athletic teams to our intriguing mechanics courses. Within these, we have many individuals with an abundance of passion. Each student has a plan upon which they focus and are unequivocally devoted to. And while their passions may be diverse, their drive for success is unyielding to any drawbacks they may face. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

Instead of focusing on our differences, only through our similarities will we be able to minimize the gap between groups. There are not two people, out of the 8.062 billion incredible individuals on this planet, who are identical. If we focus on what makes us different, those contrasting features will only deteriorate the already strained relationship between many groups. We, as young leaders, can create opportunities to educate others, and ourselves, on the diverse nature of the communities we reside in, leading us to realize there is more that brings us together than pushes us apart. As we begin to understand that through listening to everyone's opinion, common goals become apparent, and the differences that once seemed mountainous are now more closely aligned.   

About:

Yuri was born and raised in Edmonton but holds a deep connection to Cebu City, Philippines, her parents’ hometown and her second home. She was awarded Summa Cum Laude distinction for two consecutive years and is receiving an International Baccalaureate Diploma. At Archbishop MacDonald, she discovered a passion for advocacy and public speaking, serving as Vice-President of Student Council, Co-President of Speech and Debate Club, and President of Model UN, where she organized conferences and earned various awards. Yuri volunteers as Secretary of the VISMIN Association of Edmonton and Finance Executive for Youth Leaders in Law Edmonton. On weekends, she teaches Taekwondo as a 2nd-degree black belt. Yuri looks forward to studying at Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia this fall. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

What I appreciate most about Edmonton is its strong sense of community. It is a city where I have been able to build meaningful connections, and this tight-knit culture is something I am grateful to have experienced firsthand through family, friends, cultural groups, and local festivals. Edmonton often feels like a small world to me, where I can connect with a student from another school, and coincidentally, they will know another friend of mine. There is a profound sense of pride here, whether in bringing people together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds or in cheering for the Oilers. This collective pride has significantly influenced the person I am today and is why I am proud to call Edmonton my home. 

2. Who is your hero? 

While my inspiration has originated from many sources, such as family, friends, and mentors, my two older sisters are my heroes. Their tenacity and work ethic are qualities I deeply admire, having witnessed their countless nights studying and how they approach their work with utmost dedication to deliver their best efforts. When they were still attending university, they would sometimes take me around campus, and these were notable moments that left a lasting impression on me. I became motivated to follow in their footsteps, to strive for excellence in my own post-secondary studies, and to always place my best foot forward. As they advance in their professional careers, they never fail to show their support for me, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for their endless encouragement as I navigate through the various stages of life. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

“We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.” - Jane Austen 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Balanced. It is no secret that juggling the demands of excelling in academics, sports, clubs, and extracurriculars is challenging. Yet, our graduating class has collectively demonstrated balance by bringing enthusiasm and a sense of fun into every component of school life, from school dances and cheering teams on at pep rallies to participating in spirit weeks and our school bike-a-thon. This ability to stay grounded while engaging in various activities has shaped us into adaptable, versatile learners. As we move into the next stage of our lives, this balance will help us manage new responsibilities, navigate unfamiliar challenges, and thrive in environments that demand flexibility. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

I believe that the differences that divide us as a society should not be seen as a path towards hopelessness for the future, but rather, they open doors for us young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with awareness and a willingness to understand. The beauty of diplomacy is that we do not necessarily have to seek agreement on every problem we encounter. We do, however, need to practice empathy to embrace our differences and understand the sources behind the divisiveness. Bridges can only be built if we cultivate environments that reflect diversity and promote inclusion at an early age. Especially in schools, we must continue to encourage compassion and open-mindedness for students to not only learn to respect others but, ultimately, themselves. Instead of passing judgement and hastily placing blame, we should respond to the discourse around the division with thoughtful consideration and genuine curiosity to understand the challenges faced by different groups. 

About:

Rooted in St. Oscar Romero’s beliefs, Keff has spent the past three years striving to uplift others, holding himself to be “a voice for the voiceless.” He dedicated himself to service both within his school and in the greater Edmonton community. For three years, Keff volunteered at CapitalCare Lynnwood, the Villa Caritas Psychiatry Program, and the Edmonton Public Libraries. Through these various extracurriculars, he assisted with mealtimes, offered companionship to residents who wanted to share their stories, and helped young children nurture their love of literature. These efforts amounted to 200 hours. Further, Keff championed inclusivity and awareness through Romero’s Social Justice Club. His initiatives promoted multiculturalism and advocated for the visibility of individuals with disabilities. Through these actions, Keff sought to pave a better tomorrow. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

The libraries. The Edmonton Public Library has been my go-to place since Grade 6. I would borrow 10-15 books, use resources to study for my finals, and later volunteer in it as a Reading Buddy. Through that program, I not only taught toddlers how to read, but I helped them discover their voice through literature. As a volunteer at the library, I saw that small things like providing empathy can help a kid grow. The Edmonton Public Library is more than my favourite place; it is a part of what makes me. 

2. Who is your hero? 

My parents. They taught me to work hard to achieve a dream that I desire. My parents did not come from an affluent background but from an environment where hard work is rewarded. They not only took care of me but also took good care of my brother too. My mother has always been a source of inspiration to me, as she always reminded me to “love thy neighbour,” knowing that it is wrong to deny people their chance to get ahead. Like my mother’s strong beliefs in the community, my father too has a powerful sense of parenthood. He taught me to always keep going no matter what stands in front of you. He knows that as long as I work hard enough, anything is possible. My father believes in the Canadian dream, where people who may not have a lot, so long as they have willing hearts and hands, can reach for their endeavours. Through their teachings, I spent over 150 hours volunteering at CapitalCare Lynnwood and shared my voice today to advocate for people like my brother, who has autism. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

My favourite is from a poem: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, by Dylan Thomas:  
 
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,  
Because their words had forked no lightning they  
Do not go gentle into that good night.  
 
This line truly takes a hold of me, not only because of its rhythmic tone but because it sums up the spirit of my beliefs. The line talks about wisdom being important, yet impact and action are as important. Whether volunteering with seniors, helping children learn to read, or speaking out for my brother and others with disabilities, I try to embody the message of this poem: to fight and spark lightning. 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Hopeful 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

In my belief, there needs to be more conversation between groups with different perspectives. My father once told me that Canada is a free country, and rightly so; it has a wide variety of views. I find a common theme, however, that regardless of various perspectives, there is always a compromise. Compromises aren’t found by aggressive confrontations but by conversations in making a difference. Young leaders must create safe spaces where people can share their stories and struggles. I have seen this firsthand at Saint Oscar Romero‘s Social Justice Club, where posters and celebrations were made through the sharing of ideas. In this club we formed solutions instead of division. Bridging differences is about striving for that brighter tomorrow! 

About:

Born in Gujarat, India, Sherlyn Surati began her studies with Edmonton Catholic Schools at St. Kateri School and Father Michael Troy and is Holy Trinity’s valedictorian for the graduating class of 2025. Over the past three years, Sherlyn has served the community of Holy Trinity High School by becoming a founding member of the school’s Solidarity agency group and assisting with several school social justice initiatives. In addition, Sherlyn participated in Trinity’s math team, the school music program, as well as the graduation committee. Outside of school, Sherlyn is an active member of Corpus Christi Parish, where she serves as a member of the choir, a Eucharistic minister, an adult server and reader, and a member of the youth council within the Council of India Society of Edmonton. Sherlyn’s positive attitude, pleasant demeanour, and work ethic have helped her earn several top academic awards as well as successfully completing Chemistry, Biology, Math, and English within the International Baccalaureate Programme at Holy Trinity High School. Sherlyn has been accepted into the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta and plans to pursue studies in neuroscience. We wish Sherlyn great success in her future endeavours. 

Q and A:

1. What is your favourite thing about Edmonton? 

My favourite thing about Edmonton is that it is home for me, and we are very lucky that we have Edmonton Catholic Schools because it has helped me stay connected to my faith and be given a high-quality education. 

2. Who is your hero? 

I would say that my grandfather is my hero because he faced a lot of hardship throughout his life, especially towards the end while battling cancer. Despite this, he always had a positive point of view, and he always sought to share his knowledge and wisdom with others. 

3. What is your favourite quote or expression? 

“Everything happens for a reason.” 

4. What one word best describes your graduating class? 

Full of potential. 

5. We often hear that, as a society, we are more divided than in the past. How can young leaders work to bridge differences between groups? 

I think that youth councils, especially within cities, can advocate and work together to raise awareness about issues currently happening in the world. Ignorance and a lack of knowledge and understanding of other people’s circumstances often divide youth, and by sharing knowledge and allowing people to educate themselves, this can help to bridge the gap between different groups within society.