Hard work and heart describes this year’s Valedictorian at Hunting Hills

With a long list of academic, athletic and volunteer accomplishments, this year’s Valedictorian at Hunting Hills High School exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded student and compassionate leader.

Corey Ovie said being named Valedictorian was a testament to her hard work and dedication.

“I was honestly so happy and was so excited to tell my family and friends the news,” she said. “It felt really nice to know that my hard work paid off. Being named Valedictorian has given me a deep sense of appreciation for my amazing support network of friends, family, coaches, and teachers. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Throughout her high school career, Corey has cherished the connections she built with friends, classmates and teachers.

“I’m lucky to have met so many amazing people,” she said. “Everyone may have had a different high school experience, but I think we can all agree that the relationships we’ve made are something we can cherish.”

Outside of the classroom, Corey is a competitive figure skater who has been training for more than a decade. She has earned the Quadruple Gold Award, which recognizes technical excellence across the various skating disciplines. She has also represented her region twice in the Alberta Winter Games, and gives back to the sport as a program coach and a volunteer in the learn-to-skate program. In addition to figure skating, Corey works as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and volunteers at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. At school, she has served as an executive member on the leadership team, played on the basketball team and is the vice president on the Grad Executive Committee.

“Volunteering in the community has helped develop my leadership skills and strengthened my commitment to trying to be the best that I can be and to helping others. It has given me the passion to try to impact the lives of others positively.”

As graduation day approaches, Corey said she is most looking forward to celebrating with her fellow graduates, friends and family.

“Graduation is all about having a good time and uniting our classmates,” she said. “There have been so many ups and downs for everyone and I am really proud that we were all able to make it together. I am excited to walk the stage with everyone.”

As Valedictorian, Corey will have the opportunity to address her classmates during the graduation ceremony, where she plans to reflect on the shared journey of the Class of 2025.

“For my speech I think the theme that is really standing out to me is the journey that we all went through together to get to where we are today,” she said. “There’s so many memories and experiences from this journey, whether they are good or bad, but something I’ve realized is there is always someone that will help you and get you through it. The Class of 2025 at Hunting Hills is such an amazing group of people, and I’m genuinely so grateful to be doing this with them. Our graduating class is very supportive and I want to inspire them to continue being supportive and kind after high school, no matter where they end up.”

Looking ahead, Corey will pursue a career in the medical field.

Darwin Roscoe, Principal at Hunting Hills High School, said Corey has always exemplified an extraordinary commitment to excellence - both in her academic journey and on the ice as a competitive figure skater.

“Watching her power through every step of our challenging graduation hike up Ha Ling Peak without hesitation, I wasn’t the least bit surprised,” he said. “That determination is who she is. Corey is the perfect example of how talent, when matched with relentless hard work, leads to truly exceptional achievements.”

Hunting Hills graduation ceremonies will take place on May 23 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.