We are proud to introduce our 2026 valedictorians who graduated from our Kamloops, Kelowna, and Penticton campuses, marking the culmination of months of hard work that has now paid off! During their graduation ceremonies, they celebrated with their classmates, campus staff, family, and friends to honour the determination, passion, and resilience it took to cross the finish line. You can find a short excerpt from their valedictorian speeches below.
We are incredibly proud of all our graduates, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. Congratulations Class of 2026 — you did it!
Kamloops Valedictorian: Kenadi Madge – Early Childhood Education
Kenadi Madge, our valedictorian representing the Kamloops campus, reflected on the challenges she overcame, the growth she experienced, and the skills she developed during her journey to become an Early Childhood Educator. She also shared her gratitude for the Sprott Shaw College instructors and staff, family, friends, mentors, and loved ones who supported the graduating class along the way.
“As we move forward into our professions, I hope we remember something simple but important. The work we do matters. Sometimes our impact will be obvious, and sometimes it will be quiet. But every time we create a safe environment, offer encouragement, or show patience, we are contributing to something meaningful.”
Hilary Whelan, our valedictorian representing the Kelowna campus, reflected on how she began her journey as a nervous student, but through resilience, the support of loved ones, and determination, she is now ready to start the next chapter with all the skills she needs.
“As we all step into our different professions, we are entering a world that needs compassionate, skilled, and dedicated people more than ever. We are entering a world that is beautifully diverse filled with different cultures, identities, beliefs, and lived experiences. Thankfully our time here has prepared us well. We learned to manage our stress, multiple deadlines, how to work together in group projects, how to research, collaborate, and how to have greater self-awareness. And now it’s time for us to take those skills into the next chapter of life.”
Penticton Valedictorian: Bao Duong – Health Care Assistant
Bao Duong, our valedictorian representing the Penticton campus, looked back at all the skills he learned and knowledge he gained throughout his time in the Health Care Assistant program. He also expressed his gratitude for the Sprott Shaw College instructors and his loved ones that believed in him and supported his goals.
“As we move forward in our careers, let us remember the lessons we learned here —to care with compassion, to respect every individual, and to support the people beside us. Because no matter which path we take — whether we work in healthcare, education, business, community support, veterinary care, or the legal field — the world will always need people who care about others.”
Disclaimer: Information contained in blog posts (including program offerings, program details,
career information, and more) is subject to change. For the latest up-to-date information, contact an admissions advisor or visit our program
pages.
