(Submitted)

By Nigel Maxwell

Graduates

Carlton Valedictorian encourages graduates to never let an opportunity pass by

Jun 23, 2025 | 5:16 PM

When times get tough, keep pushing, because good things will come out of it.

That was Rachel Gibson’s response for paNOW when asked what value or lesson instilled with her in high school she will take with her as she begins the next chapter of her life.

Gibson is the Valedictorian for the Carlton Comprehensive High School graduation class of 2025 and it’s an honour she does not take lightly.

“It’s always been a goal of mine and to actually achieve this means so much, especially because there was such tough competition like everyone in the top five and even past that there were such like smart people who are active in the community so the fact that I was chosen means a lot.”

Rachel Gibson. (Facebook)

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On Monday, roughly 250 Carlton students walked across the stage at the CPAC gym. Gibson’s address to her fellow classmates focused on the benefits of hard work and taking every opportunity you can, noting they don’t come as often after high school.

She acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges for her class was last year’s teacher’s strike.

“I know I found it difficult sometimes some days because I couldn’t do my extracurriculars and get like all the help I needed or to talk to the teachers I needed to but our class and other classes did really well and we pushed through it.”

Gibson’s accomplishments have been well publicized. In addition to winning Best in Show at the High School Juried Art show, Gibson’s camera skills also earned her a provincial Skills Canada gold medal, and a national Skills Canada bronze medal.

Her final grade point average (GPA) was over 98 per cent.

Going forward, Gibson is registered at the University of Saskatchewan and aspires to one day become a high school art teacher, like the ones who had a tremendous impact on her life and guided her to become a artist.

“They gave me so many opportunities to show my talent and lots of my family are teachers and EAs so I’ve always grown up around that,” she explained, noting the contributions of Mrs. Van Steelandt. Miss Merasty and Mrs. Brown.

“The art teachers I had gave me endless opportunities and support and helped me to continue doing what I love.”

Graduation week in Prince Albert continues on Tuesday with St. Mary High School and Victor Thunderchild High School. Wesmor Public High School will graduate their class on Wednesday, followed by Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI) on Thursday.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social