Katherine Knox has earned the title of valedictorian for West Park School's graduating class of 2025, and with it, the opportunity to reflect on a journey shaped by academic dedication, community involvement, and meaningful relationships.
"I was super excited," said Knox about being selected. "I'd been hoping that I would be valedictorian for a really long time. I was up against one other person, but it was still really nice to know that I got picked."
Knox, who has excelled academically throughout high school, credited her success to consistent effort and personal interest in her courses.
"Just really focusing on studying hard and getting assignments in on time," she explained. "Also taking classes that I really liked and things that I was interested in."
Despite her achievements, she acknowledged that the journey wasn't without challenges.
"Definitely this year during math, it's been quite a tough go," Knox admitted. "But I just pushed through. I was like, I have to do this because it's my last year. I can't let myself down now."
Throughout high school, Knox said her biggest inspiration was her mom.
"She's just always there when I need her… to bring me down when I'm feeling panicked and help me keep my mood up," she said. "She's been there ever since I was little, volunteering for field trips."
A standout teacher also played a key role. "Mr. Friesen. He's great! He's helped me sort through a bunch of university related stuff," she shared. "Even though he has a tough exterior, he's always been super nice."
Knox balanced her academics with extracurricular activities like volleyball and student council.
"I would study on bus trips for volleyball tournaments and away games," she said. "Using any spare time, I had to finish assignments while also trying to have fun."
In her upcoming valedictorian speech, Knox plans to focus on the memories that have shaped her class.
"It's about how those memories shaped us as people and how we have lots of choices, but we have to figure out what the right path is for each of us."
When asked what advice she would give younger students, Knox encouraged engagement and openness.
"For the incoming Grade 9s, I'd say don't be scared of other people in high school. Get involved in sports and clubs," she said. "To the new Grade 12s, connect with your classmates, you don't know if you'll see them again after high school."
Looking ahead, Knox plans to work at Canadian Tire this summer before starting business school at the Asper School of Business in the fall.
"I'm going into marketing, so I want to find creative ways to represent myself and the work I do."
She had a final message for her classmates.
"It's been one of the greatest times of my life being in class with them. I've grown up with some of them since preschool or kindergarten, and I'm so thankful to have them in my life."
Knox also thanked her family for their ongoing support.
"My grandma on my mom's side always drove me to school, and my dad has been there through it all."
With gratitude and ambition, Katherine Knox is ready to begin her next chapter, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and heart.