Caleb Marquart (middle), pictured here recently with Gateway Christian Vice-principal Carolyn Stolte (left) and Principal Geannette Lehman (right), is his school's Class of 2022 valedictorian. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

value of community

Gateway Christian a great place to learn, says 2022 valedictorian

Jun 23, 2022 | 3:13 PM

This year’s valedictorian at Red Deer Public’s Gateway Christian School is a lifer, having attended the school since kindergarten.

Caleb Marquart earned the honour for the Class of 2022, sharing some memories of his time at the school.

“When I was in Grade 9, we had Chill Fest and the Student Council planned a 12-hour event – that was the first real moment in high school when I realized the community at Gateway is very special,” he said. “We also do worship together as a school, and we have an opportunity to collaborate with younger students through the Buddy Program, which is really cool.”

The Buddy Program pairs olders students with younger ones, and in the case of this year’s grad class, they were mentors for Grade 5s.

Unique to Gateway, some students attend Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, just up the street, to take core classes. These students are fondly known as ‘Gurbers.’

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“I like the fact of being at a bigger school like Thurber because there are a lot of opportunities with options and sports,” he said. “But then I also enjoy the smaller community that Gateway offers. It is a perfect balance.”

Marquart’s appreciation for the Buddy Program, and drive to succeed, are not lost on Principal Geannette Lehman.

“Caleb is a caring and compassionate young man, who is well-respected among his classmates and peers. He has a natural ability to make others feel accepted, and is conscientious to not leave others out,” she said. “Caleb’s diligent work ethic and humble demeanor make him a worthy recipient of the honour of being Gateway’s 2022 Valedictorian! We are incredibly proud of Caleb and wish him all the best!”

Of course, Marquart must give a speech at Gateway’s grad ceremony on June 28 at New Life Fellowship Reformed Church. He plans to talk about the value of community.

“Every person in my graduating class has really contributed to that experience,” he said. “When you’re in a bigger school, there is a chance that you are graduating with people that you may not really know. I’ve had the opportunity to have a full conversation with every single one of my classmates. I want to highlight that relationship between us in the Gateway community.”