For Alice Zeng, graduating from Springbank Community High School isn’t just the end of a chapter, it’s a celebration of a high school career filled with involvement, achievement, and heart.
The 18-year-old was recently named valedictorian for the Class of 2025, an honour that came as a surprise to her, despite encouragement from those around her.
“Everyone around me sort of thought it was going to be me,” said Zeng. “But I was like, no, it’s not, there’s always a chance it’s going to be someone else.”
While she may not have expected the title, Zeng’s resumé is packed with leadership, service, and creativity. Over her high school years, she participated in cross country and track, played in the school band, contributed to the yearbook, and pursued her love of photography. Outside the classroom, she founded the district’s first community-based Interact Club, a youth branch of Rotary International focused on service and leadership.
“I touched on everything,” she said. “And I’m really proud of what we’ve built with the Interact Club. It’s something I’ll carry with me.”
Her valedictory address stood out as well, Zeng chose to deliver it as a spoken word poem, weaving together the challenges and triumphs of the high school experience in a creative, emotional format.
“I felt like the moment called for more of that feeling… that representation of how contradicting high school is, with all the struggles and successes,” she explained. “Poetry was the best way to express that complexity and the diversity of our school.”
Zeng, who moved to the area from Windsor, Ontario just before high school, says her time at Springbank was defined by community.
“We definitely got closer in Grade 12,” she said. “Especially planning grad, it brought us together and created this shared experience. Everyone was so open-minded and supportive.”
Looking ahead, Zeng is heading to McGill University this fall to study biological, biomedical, and life sciences. While she’s not set on a specific path just yet, she’s excited to explore the possibilities.
Whether or not med school is in her future, one thing is clear: Alice Zeng is walking away from high school with a sense of pride, purpose, and gratitude.
“It’s sad and also really, really great at the same time, finishing high school,” she said. “I liked all the experiences I had. They were so diverse. And all the people I met, that’s what made it wonderful.”
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Several of Alice's teachers shared remarks highlighting her accomplishments.
Madame Turner, who has taught Alice for 3 years, most recently in French Immersion Social Studies (Etude Sociale) 30: "It has been my pleasure to teach Alice this year. She embodies everything we hope for in a Valedictorian: brilliance, empathy, purpose, and a true connection to her community. There is no doubt she will make waves in whatever path she chooses next—and we’ll be proud to say we knew her when." and she also stated, "In class, [Alice] became a trusted figure among her peers, exemplifying the personal integrity that is a core pillar of our school in RISE." and "Alice's deep intellectual curiosity drives her to explore topics beyond the curriculum. She seeks out new challenges, embraces opportunities for growth, and constantly pushes herself to expand her understanding." and "Additionally, Alice is a leader in a school-wide initiative (Rocky View Schools' Leadership Academy) that encourages young women to pursue leadership positions. Her ability to connect with peers and inspire confidence in others speaks volumes about her character and potential."
Ms. Katie Frauts, coach and teacher over the past three years: "[Alice's] approach to all aspects of learning is exemplary!" and "In [class], she was a mentor to other students and assisted them with challenging [material] and vocabulary. Alice did this willingly and without guidance. She is extremely kind and caring to those around her." and "[Alice] is always polite and friendly to every member of our school from teenagers to staff to volunteers. She has an infectious smile that makes everyone feel at ease and comfortable with her presence. She is conscientious, intelligent, competitive, and tenacious. . . . I know she will be successful in any endeavour she undertakes."
Ms. Amber Rogers (SCHS Graduation Committee Co-Chair): “Alice gave a captivating and inspiring Valedictory Address, breaking from the traditional and giving a moving spoken-word performance. Her speech connected with all of her classmates and their shared experiences throughout high school, and it left the audience with a message of hope for the future and all the amazing things this group of students will accomplish.”
Assistant Principal Tara Sly: "One of Alice's goals as Valedictorian was to give an address that represented her graduating class with 'strength, inclusion, and inspiration'. She accomplished these things, hands down! Her Valedictory Address was heartfelt, unique (truly her in how it was presented!), and spoke to the heart of the graduating class. She infused meaning, care, and thoughtfulness into each and every word and turn of phrase, sharing an inspirational message about the importance of carrying forward leadership into our world in positive ways. Many people at the Graduation Ceremonies reached out afterward for a copy of the address, as it really touched them and was powerful in its impact."
