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PACI top grad challenges fellow students to aim high

Jun 23, 2015 | 4:53 PM

More than 30 students from Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI) stood proudly in the E.A. Rawlinson Centre as they received their diplomas.

Amongst them was their valedictorian Evan Gordon, who was not only proud of his own accomplishments, but of those of his peers as well.

Gordon said he spent a lot of his time not only making sure his own work was above par, but also trying to motivate his fellow students as well.

“I inspired most people to play sports, take part,” he said. “I inspired people to work harder in their classwork; I always challenge them to do more.”

Gordon remained athletic at school, playing in various leagues and serving as the captain of the basketball team. This was all while he was working hard to keep his marks high.

He had some of his own issues in life to overcome as well.

“There’s always unexpected things that you run into such as family passing away,” said Gordon. “Taking a lot of difficult courses at the same time kind of adds up, but as long as you persevere and work through it always works out.”

He said he now plans to pursue a career as an electrician.

“I’m going to go and apprentice,” said Gordon, adding he’ll more than likely stay in Prince Albert while he starts his new career.

While all of his fellow students will be following different paths in life, Gordon had one thing to say to his graduating class:

“Congratulations to everybody graduating, be proud you worked hard, go and live life to the fullest.”

PACI was the first secondary school to kick off graduation ceremonies around the city this week.

paNOW will have continuing coverage this week of the high school graduation ceremonies.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim