By rdnewsNOW staff

Lindsay Thurber celebrates Grad Class of 2018

May 25, 2018 | 6:00 AM

Having supportive teachers, classmates and principals who believed in her has helped set Hayley Lalor, this year’s valedictorian from Lindsay Thurber High School, up for success.

“I have met a lot of teachers, principals and classmates who have helped me a lot along the way and people who have put a lot of belief in my abilities,” she said. “The teachers I’ve had have been amazing – if you’re struggling, they help you get through any rough patches you’re having. That extra support from the really awesome people I have met has really helped me and motivated and inspired me to do my best.”

Lalor is also extremely active in a number of sports including volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross-country, badminton, tennis and baseball. She said the discipline she has learned through being active in sport has also served her well academically.

“Playing sports has taught me a lot about work ethic,” she said. “Working hard on my sports teams has taught me to work hard in school for what I want to accomplish.”

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This fall, Lalor is headed to Grant MacEwan University on a basketball scholarship where she will be taking the General Science program.

“I want to get a feel for all the different options out there. But I’ll probably end up majoring in biological sciences.” she said, adding she is eyeing a possible career as a physiotherapist or something in architecture. “Those are two very different things,” she laughed. “But they both interest me.”

As she anticipates her graduation ceremony tomorrow, she has a message to her fellow classmates.

“Don’t let anything keep you from doing something you love and make sure you go after what you are passionate about. Don’t let setbacks, people or anything decide what you are going to do,” said Lalor, pointing to the fact there is one month left of this school year. “We only have a short time left, so embrace the last times that you have with all your friends. Give it everything you’ve got and have a good time. Soak it all in!”

Geannette Lehman, Vice Principal at Lindsay Thurber High School, said it’s an honour to have Lalor representing the Class of 2018.

“Hayley is a respected student here by staff and classmates alike. She is known for her hard work ethic, her perseverance and her commitment to excellence in all that she does,” she said. “Hayley is also known for being kind, caring, and accepting of others – she is a well-rounded, inspirational young woman in every way!”

There are 367 students in the 2018 Graduating Class at Lindsay Thurber.

(Written and submitted by Red Deer Public Schools)