Holly Johnson has earned the title of valedictorian for Medicine Hat High School's Class of 2021.--NEWS PHOTO LAUREN THOMSON
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
Holly Johnson, who excels in dancing and academics, is this year’s Medicine Hat High School valedictorian.
Johnson has danced for 12 years – jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre and hip-hop – at Hansen School of Dance. She has also been involved in her school community, making time to participate in school events, volunteer on the grad executive committee and work as the senior boys’ basketball trainer last year.
“The things that are really memorable to me are the basketball games here because the environment that is created is just so awesome and fun, so that really sticks out to me,” she said.
Kent Campbell has taught Johnson math for all three years of high school and has enjoyed watching her grow and progress.
“Holly was always a strong student academically across the board, but especially in math. She’s quite humble, like she knows she’s smart but she doesn’t like to tell anyone her grades because she doesn’t want to make anyone feel like they didn’t do very well. She just truly wants the best for others and doesn’t want anything in return, which is why I always thought she was a great representative for valedictorian.”
Campbell also spoke of her kindness to classmates. He said she is very supportive and helpful, constantly willing to help or tutor friends and classmates.
“She’s also always done really great things with the special needs group in the school,” Campbell said. “She’s so patient and she includes them in things and she encourages them. Her mom was the head of the special education department, so I think it just sort of formulated organically … so she just naturally started helping them out. For as long as I’ve known her, she’s been involved and encouraging in that regard.”
Due to changes in schooling and restrictions over the past 16 months, it’s been a difficult and unique year for all students.
“It’s definitely been different,” said Johnson. “Just going between online and in-person and stuff. I feel like my education hasn’t been impacted too much, but I’ve just had to adapt the way I study, because I can’t really study with friends anymore so I’ve just had to be more independent … because the teachers aren’t always available to help you.”
Campbell spoke of Johnson’s commitment and dedication, even during these challenging times.
“She truly is very intrinsically motivated. When we went online, it was very easy for students to make excuses on why they couldn’t be successful, and that’s just not who she is,” said Campbell. “She is the type of student who I could put an answer key on the board in front of her and she wouldn’t look up.
“Even with all those hurdles, with being back and forth and being online … and not having the same level of support that you would in class, she’s just really taken that as an opportunity to try something new and learn something new.”
Next year, Johnson will attend the University of Toronto to take life sciences.
“They specialize their programs in the second year,” she said. “So I can decide a little bit later, but originally I was thinking of going to med school afterwards but now I’m kind of debating going to law school.”
Campbell looks forward to seeing what Johnson chooses to do. “When I think of Holly, I think she is witty but also wise, especially for such a young girl,” he said.
