The valedictorian for the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Class of 2021 says his peers have been able to persevere through some challenging times.
Kaleb Bechtold earned the valedictorian distinction with an average of 99.3 per cent.
“Lots of hard work went into it, so it’s nice to see it pay off,” Bechtold said in an interview with the Mercury.
Bechtold delivered his valedictorian’s address through a video that will be distributed to his fellow graduates. The video will be woven into the virtual graduation ceremony video.
It was an honour to be the valedictorian, since there are a number of other students who would also be deserving, he said.
In his speech, Bechtold touched on this year’s grad theme, which is Here’s to Staying Positive and Testing Negative – a quote that reflects the resiliency of this year’s grads, especially in the time since COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Saskatchewan in March 2020.
“I just want everyone to realize how many life lessons we’ve all learned, and how we’re finally getting through this thing,” said Bechtold.
His fellow graduates have done a good job of handling all of the changes and challenges of the past 15 months, switching between in-person learning and online classes, and also losing sports and many of their extracurricular activities.
“There was a great amount of perseverance shown, and here we are graduating,” said Bechtold.
Even though he and his fellow graduates have had an opportunity to prepare for not having the traditional cap and gown ceremony at Affinity Place, it’s still tough that it won’t be happening this year.
“Growing up, you see all of these graduates walking across the stage and everything, and it sucks not being able to do that. But … you have to remain positive and you have to be able to be happy for the things we are able to do.”
Bechtold said he has put in a lot of time and effort into his academic work. He has managed to attain the academic success while working at Murray GM and Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, and while being involved in sports.
After he graduates from ECS, Bechtold plans to study biomedical sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, which he hopes can be the stepping stone to get into medical school.
