The Tri-City News asked SD43 valedictorians in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody to reflect on their high school years and tell us what their future brings.
We'll publish their answers daily this and next week, at 8:05 a.m.
Martin Zylka
Riverside Secondary (Port Coquitlam)
What are your plans after graduation?
- Attending Douglas College for Sport Science FT.
What are you most proud of during your high school years?
- Creating "Soccer Club," a community where everyone is included to play soccer from all levels, is one of my proudest achievements. Additionally, leading the senior boys cross-country team to provincials was also an astounding moment.
What would you change about your high school years?
- I’d be more open to join new sport teams, even if I don’t excel in them. Beginning of my high school year, I was nervous to join any athletic team because I thought I wasn’t good enough. At a certain point, you need to realize that nobody will judge you. The fact that you’re putting yourself out there and trying your best, is by far the best solution.
What does being a valedictorian mean to you?
- Being valedictorian is an honour. To be able to speak on behalf of the graduation class is a privilege. I also believe that being valedictorian demonstrates hard work and resilience over the course of four years.
What advice do you have for the next graduation class?
- Step outside of your comfort zone and be open-minded. Try new things; you never know where it can lead you to.
Photo op
Port Coquitlam is celebrating the class of 2024 by proclaiming June 10 to 14 as Grad Week, lighting up city hall in school colours and providing Congrats Grad 2024 photo backdrops in city parks.
Congrats Grad 2024 photo backdrops will be placed in the following locations:
- Blakeburn Lagoons Park (2900-block of Elbow Place)
- Lions Park (2300 Lions Way)
- Castle Park (2252 Castle Cres.)
