Find your magic – that’s the kernel of advice Bow Valley High School’s 2022 valedictorian Toby Carter wants his fellow graduates to take away with them as they journey out into the world.
It’s a lesson the 17-year-old student leader has taken to heart. He had the school's highest academic average for grades 9 to 11. Final marks for Grade 12 are not compiled yet.
But there’s much more to Carter than high marks. He works as a server at a restaurant in Heartland, and also teaches orienteering and youth adventure running.
“I’ve been involved in the Rocky View Leadership Academy, and the leadership program here at school,” he said.
Carter said this past year was much better than the two previous years at school, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted and the events he worked on as part of the leadership group were more satisfying.
“And the grad ceremony was much better. Last year, we had to do a drive-through [grad], so this was way better, having it on stage,” he said.
When he walked out on stage to present his valedictorian address at the June 4 ceremony, he said he was taken aback, describing the feeling as “moderately terrifying.” After Carter realized he was talking a bit too fast, he took a deep breath, quickly hit his stride, and ended up enjoying the experience.
He said the events he helped organize at school earlier this year were much more successful than in previous years. A school-wide game of tag went far better than the virtual game they tried last year.
“Last year we ended up just playing trivia. But this year, we had the school-wide game of tag and it was amazing – it builds the school culture,” he said.
Born in the south of England, Carter’s family moved to Alberta when his father, who was in the British army, was posted to a base near Medicine Hat. They had to return to England, but had already fallen in love with the mountains and by the time the paperwork cleared, moved to Cochrane in time for Carter to enrol in kindergarten.
After his final high-school classes are completed this month, he will be heading east in the fall to pursue a degree in computer science at York University in Ontario.
His takeaway message for fellow grads is to go for it.
“Unlock the magic in your life. Chase your dreams, and get involved,” he said.
