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By rdnewsNOW staff

ALENA WANG

Hunting Hills valedictorian reflects on high school career

May 23, 2024 | 1:00 AM

Alena Wang has worked towards achieving valedictorian status throughout all high school, and finally gets to celebrate the accomplishment when she walks the stage on May 23 as a Hunting Hills graduate.

“I was really hoping to be named Valedictorian, and I remember when they came down to announce it to me, my heart was beating out of my chest. It was an insane feeling, and I couldn’t wait to tell my parents,” she says. “Something that my parents have always told me was that being a good student is really important. I feel the same way and having something to work towards is really important. My goal was academic excellence. It felt really validating and satisfying to achieve that.”

Wang is a well-rounded student, playing the piano in the jazz band, participating in the Trivia Club and Math Club, as well as playing tennis for the high school team. She also acted as Student Council President this past year, and on the Grad Executive Committee. Outside of school, Wang volunteers at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and spends time working towards her piano diploma.

For now, she’s begun preparing to address her class.

“I am starting to think about my message to my classmates and I think I will talk about the memories that we have made, especially the nostalgia aspect. We have had a lot of nostalgia themes for our grad year, so it’s fitting,” she says. “Mostly, I am really proud of everyone graduating. I know everyone has had individual struggles, and it’s such a monumental time that we have been anticipating for so long. I am really grateful these are the people I get to graduate with.”

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Wang adds that she is looking forward to celebrating with her whole class on their graduation day.

“Grad is a day where our whole class gets together, and we all unite over our achievements. We can bond together with others we haven’t had a chance to build relationships with,” she shares.

As for what’s next, Wang plans to attend the University of British Columbia where she is enrolled in the bachelor of science program with a major in anatomical and physiological sciences. Her end goal is to have a career in the medical field.

Darwin Roscoe, principal at Hunting Hills High School, says Wang was honoured as this year’s valedictorian due to her outstanding academic achievements.

“Beyond her academic brilliance, what truly sets her apart is her exceptional kindness, compassion, and generosity,” he says. “She embodies the ‘Power of H’ qualities we aspire to see in all our students at Hunting Hills.”

Graduation ceremonies for Hunting Hills will take place May 23 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

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