Historic first: Dual Valedictorians named at Lindsay Thurber

For the first time in Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School’s history, two students have been named Valedictorians - Fahd Mohamed and Jett Unrau - after earning identical top marks. In another milestone, Jett has become the first student from the Gateway Christian School (Gurber) program to ever be named Valedictorian at Lindsay Thurber.

For Fahd, the announcement came as a surprise. “I was shocked when I was told,” he said. “When I came in Grade 10 I focused on myself as a person and how I could get into a good career after high school. When I saw I was getting great grades, I thought maybe I had a chance to be named Valedictorian. From there, I tried my best. I’m really happy.”

Reflecting on his time at Lindsay Thurber, Fahd said high school changed him entirely. “I never would have seen myself where I am today four years ago,” he said. “The amount of new experiences that I’ve had are fantastic. High school is a period where you will change completely. I’m more outgoing and mature. I’m trying to develop as a person.”

Fahd plans to attend the University of Alberta and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.

“My love language is helping others, so I want to spend my career doing so,” he said. “Valedictorian highlights a section of your life which is academics, but it’s also important to focus on yourself as a person and those around you. The most important thing is to be a good person.”

There are many things to look forward to in terms of graduation, but Fahd has his eyes set on one thing: “I am most looking forward to getting on that stage and grabbing that paper!”

For Jett, who splits his time between Gateway Christian School and Lindsay Thurber as a ‘Gurber’ student, the honour carries a special meaning.

“When I went into Grade 9 I knew I did quite well in school, and in high school I was working towards the Valedictorian goal. It was a lot of work, but when you have something to focus on there is a greater purpose,” he said. “I’m really proud of myself.”

Jett plans to pursue engineering after high school and credits his passion for science, his family and his teachers for his success.

“Teachers at both schools are amazing,” he said. “There are lots of pressures in high school that can seem like they continue mounting on - but it’s temporary and at the end, if you’ve put the effort in, you can be satisfied with the outcome. Always trying to do your best and always trying to get better.”

He’s especially proud of the progress his younger brother has made, using him as an example of perseverance and the power of support.

“I’ve seen him struggle in school, but in high school he had the right people around him, and he’s put in so much hard work and been open minded and trying to learn,” he said. “Now he’s starting to see that success and is doing quite well in his classes. I’ve seen someone who is really struggling, keeps pushing and now has had a breakthrough. It’s worth it.”

As part of being named Valedictorian, both Fahd and Jett will address their fellow classmates during their graduation ceremonies. 

Jett wants to focus on his outlook on the future. “It’s about what high school has been like and what stepping into the world will be - limitless and lots of opportunities.” And for Fahd, he said he wants to make his speech unique. “This is our year, and I want my message to reflect that.”

With two Valedictorians, this year’s graduation ceremonies will mark not only academic excellence, but personal transformation, perseverance and history in the making.

Chris Good, Principal at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, said he is proud of both Fahd and Jett.

“Their dedication to their academic goals and commitment to making our school a better place for all is what sets them apart. In a school with a long and rich history like Lindsay Thurber, firsts are rare; however, Fahd and Jett exemplify the values and culture that our school stands for,” he said. “Their hard work and determination not only highlights their individual achievements but they inspire other students to reach for success.”

Graduation ceremonies for Lindsay Thurber will take place May 22 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.