LCI valedictorian feels honoured

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on May 24, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Marie Metz has been selected as valedictorian for the 2024 graduating class at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. Metz will be part of the nearly 300 graduates crossing the stage this Saturday.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge Collegiate Institute students will be crossing the graduation stage Saturday at the Enmax Centre surrounded by family and friends as they receive their high school diplomas.

Among the almost 300 graduates crossing the stage this year is Marie Metz, who has been named valedictorian for the class of 2024. On Thursday she told the Herald that being valedictorian was both exciting and scary for her.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity, but also really scary. There’s a lot of pressure and responsibility to talk to everyone in the grade and to represent the class of 2024, but I’m definitely very honoured to be the valedictorian,” said Metz.

During her time at LCI, Metz took part in various extra-curricular activities and clubs.

 “I’m in band and jazz band, I’m in several clubs. I’m a co-founder of the Earth Club, I’m in STEM Club, I was in Math Club for a short time and I’m an executive member of the National Honour Society and on band council,” said Metz.

 She said even though she was involved in multiple activities and clubs, she enjoys all of them.

LCI principal Wayne Pallett said Metz will be introduced by a teacher of her choice during the graduation ceremony and Metz has selected Cilena Mathieu, who will be highlighting Metz’s attributes and achievements before she gives her valedictorian speech.

 “I had her for physics and STEM Club and she really pushed me through my limits and inspired me to pursue my passion of engineering and STEM in the future,” said Metz.

She said physics was her favourite subject in school, which she will be using a lot after she graduates as she will be attending the University of Alberta to enrol in the Engineering program, with the hopes of becoming an Electrical Engineer.

When talking about the celebrating the graduating class of 2024, Pallett said a few events will be taking place on Saturday.

 “At 9:30 a.m. is going to be the convocation, at 6:30 p.m. is going to be the grand March for our students. It’s just a great day to spend time with our students and for them to be honoured,” said Pallett.

He added there will be a dance after the grand march until about 10 p.m. and after that students will go to the University of Lethbridge to enjoy a dry grad with a variety of activities and food.

“We just wrapped up our Indigenous graduation here at the school. We hosted it for the entire school division, it was here on Tuesday night at LCI,” said Pallett.