Graduating as the valedictorian for Bow Valley High School’s class of 2024, Taya Vlietstra, looks back on her time as a student and to her future upon graduating high school.
Although she was originally shocked to be named valedictorian, Vlietstra said she is thrilled to represent Bow Valley.
“Whether it’s the sports or the academic side, or even a little bit of the leadership side, I feel like I’m a perfect representative,” Vlietstra said.
As an athlete for the Bobcats, Vlietstra was named the League All-Star and one of the captains for their basketball team, received the Seniors Female Track Athlete award for placing third in the javelin competition and eighth in hurdles, and even played for their hockey and softball team.
Outside of school, Vlietstra works at MacKay’s Ice Cream, and she enjoys volunteering at the Cochrane Alliance Church.
“From there I work within the Kids Ministries, and I’ve worked with multiple summer camps connected to the church,” she said. “Whether it’s about teaching soccer or teaching about God, that has really helped further my resume.”
Academically, Vlietstra’s average grade this year was 97 per cent. Alongside scoring 100 per cent in her Math Diploma Exam, she finished with a 99 per cent in math and a 98 in chemistry. In her final semester, she currently holds a 99 in biology, 95 in calculus, and a 96 in physics.
For Vlietstra, she said her best memories come from the times she would spend with her friends during lunch or in classes. Another experience that shaped her future was when she worked alongside university students at the Bamfield Marine Biology Centre in B.C., on Vancouver Island.
“They showed us some really fascinating things about conservation efforts, working with wildlife, and learning about how much diversity there is in marine biology,” she said. “I learned so many things that I had no Idea were there, and I definitely venture to say that my work at the Marine Biology Centre prompted me to take Biological Sciences in University.”
In the same vein as her parents and brothers, Vlietstra said she will be attending the University of Alberta. She plans on taking biological sciences as a gateway into their radiation therapy program.
“It’s a Bachelors of Radiation Therapy, and that’s working with cancer patients, and administering and planning treatments for them,” she explained. “As anyone does, I have so much family history with cancer, and I know that’s a fascinating field with physics, chemistry, and biology that makes a difference in the world.”
Overall, Vlietstra said she would like to give thanks to her family, all of her coaches, and her teachers including Mrs. Tempelmen and Mrs. Litschke.
“But definitely above it all, it’s my friends,” Vlietstra said. “The friends in high school can’t be take for granted. I know a lot of people move on, but I know that the relationships I’ve made have left me with so many important lessons and takeaways that I’m going to keep with me forever.
“I would not be here today if I didn’t have friends supporting me the whole time.”
