For Estevan Comprehensive School’s 2024–25 valedictorian, Emmalee Ursu, high school success wasn’t just about academics. It was about connection.
“Finding the right group of friends helps to shape your experience,” Ursu said. “I drifted away from my friends in elementary school a bit, and so finding a new group of friends in high school was challenging. But I also met a lot of really cool people that are now my friends, and so I have really good friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
Working on the tech team for school musicals and being part of the SRC takeover were some of her highlights. The three-hour block classes, not so much.
“I was not a fan of the three-hour block classes,” she said with a laugh.
As the grad class prepares to turn the page, Ursu hopes the friendships they’ve built will last.
“I’d like to keep in contact with the friends I have now, but also that we would all, as a class, find something that we’re good at and do well outside of high school.”
She credited both her parents and her friends for encouraging and supporting her throughout high school.
“My friends encouraged me, challenged me and inspired me, and also my parents, who were definitely really supportive,” she said. “They encouraged me without pushing me past my limits.”
Ursu said her definition of success has evolved since Grade 9.
“I was definitely a perfectionist and really wanted everything to be perfect,” she said. “But perfect isn’t always defined the same way. I think now success is more about having a goal and aiming to achieve it to the best of your abilities. It doesn’t always have to look like the definition of perfect.”
After graduation, she will head to British Columbia for the Kaléo program, a faith-based leadership course for young adults. She then plans to attend the University of Regina to pursue a degree in elementary education.
With both of her parents in teaching, along with years of experience as a dance instructor and summer camp counsellor, Ursu said it was a natural fit.
“I’ve had a lot of experience working with younger kids, and I just really enjoy that.”
She’s also learned the importance of balance.
“It’s important to know what you want to do and work hard,” she said, “but also to give yourself grace and take time to rest.”
When it comes to delivering her valedictory speech, Ursu admits she’s a little nervous.
“I’m definitely not a public speaker, so it’s a bit nerve-racking,” she said. “But I’m excited.”
The graduation ceremony is set for Saturday at Affinity Place.