For the first time in Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School’s history, two students have been named valedictorians.
This week, Red Deer Public Schools announced Fahd Mohamed and Jett Unrau will serve as Lindsay Thurber's valedictorians at graduation ceremonies on May 22, after both earned identical top marks.
For Fahd, the announcement came as a surprise. “I was shocked when I was told,” said Mohamed.
“When I came in Grade 10 I focused on myself as a person and how I could get into a good career after high school. When I saw I was getting great grades, I thought maybe I had a chance to be named Valedictorian. From there, I tried my best. I’m really happy.”
Mohamed said his time at Lindsay Thurber changed who he was as a person.
“I never would have seen myself where I am today four years ago,” he said.
“The amount of new experiences that I’ve had are fantastic. High school is a period where you will change completely. I’m more outgoing and mature. I’m trying to develop as a person.”
Mohamed plans to attend the University of Alberta and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.
Unrau is the first student from the Gateway Christian School program to ever be named Valedictorian at Lindsay Thurber. Splitting his time between Gateway Christian School and Lindsay Thurber as a "Gurber" student, Unrau said being name valedictorian carries a special meaning.
“When I went into Grade 9 I knew I did quite well in school, and in high school I was working towards the Valedictorian goal. It was a lot of work, but when you have something to focus on there is a greater purpose,” he said.
“I’m really proud of myself.”
Unrau plans to pursue engineering after high school.
“Teachers at both schools are amazing,” he said.
“There are lots of pressures in high school that can seem like they continue mounting on - but it’s temporary and at the end, if you’ve put the effort in, you can be satisfied with the outcome. Always trying to do your best and always trying to get better.”
As part of being named Valedictorian, both Mohamed and Unrau will address their fellow classmates during their graduation ceremonies.
Chris Good, Principal at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, said he is proud of both students.
“Their dedication to their academic goals and commitment to making our school a better place for all is what sets them apart. In a school with a long and rich history like Lindsay Thurber, firsts are rare; however, Fahd and Jett exemplify the values and culture that our school stands for,” Good said.
“Their hard work and determination not only highlights their individual achievements but they inspire other students to reach for success.”
The graduation ceremonies will take place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
