Ag student valedictorian of Polytechnic’s first class

By Joe Manio - Lethbridge Herald on April 16, 2025.

Submitted photo Agriculture Sciences and Agronomy student Abigayle Terrill, seen Tuesday holding a calf, has been named valedictorian of the first class to graduate under the banner of Lethbridge Polytechnic.

Agriculture Sciences and Agronomy student, Abigayle “Abby” Terrill, has been named valedictorian of the first class to graduate from Lethbridge Polytechnic, since the post-secondary institution transitioned from Lethbridge College last year.

Having the highest academic achievements of her class, Terrill will lead the procession of graduates and give the valedictory speech at the spring convocation ceremony in May. Terrill enrolled at Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2022 and completed her first diploma, with a major in Animal Science, last spring.

“I love working with cows – it’s my favourite thing – so Animal Science was a reasonable program,” she says. “Then I thought, what’s one extra year to get an Agronomy diploma?”

Upon entering Lethbridge Polytechnic, Terrill remained laser-focused on her studies, a trait she’s maintained from a young age. She says prioritizing self-care and academics was just something one did in her family. Her solid work-ethic has paid-off in two diplomas earned in just three years.

Raised on a 2,000-acre ranch south of Cardston owned by her mother, Jenn Neimann, Terrill developed an interest in agriculture very early on. Her love of animals and cows began with the 250 head of herefords they raised there.

After graduating from Cardston High School, she followed her passion for animals to Lethbridge Polytechnic and enrolled in the Agriculture Sciences diploma program. Neiman was not surprised about her daughter’s choice of studies, nor her academic success.

“It was a natural progression for her, for something she’s loved ever since she was little,” says Neimann. “I had her on my hip in the field ever since she was a baby.”

Neiman says from the time Abby could walk, she started interacting with the cows and helped with the ranch as she grew. “Whether it was cows or school, she’s always been very focused.”

Terrill was also a member of the student-run Aggie Club. She says she built valuable connections with her peers and within the agriculture industry during her time on campus and credits her instructors, such as Clair Fitzpatrick, for a memorable three years filled with field trips, conferences and hands-on learning.

“Abby is a perfect choice for valedictorian,” says Fitzpatrick. “She is an exceptional student and representative of this institution and the agriculture industry. More importantly, beyond dedication and success in her studies, Abby is an even better person. Our program was lucky to have her.”

As for what’s next, Terrill says she’s weighing her options. Her long-term plans include coming full-circle and returning to her mother’s ranch, where it all began.

“Eventually I’ll go home and run the ranch with my mom,” she says, “but I also might go to veterinary school.”

This year’s Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium at Lethbridge Polytechnic.