Carlton Valedictorian Neven Grujic (Carlton Comprehensive High School/Facebook)

By Derek Craddock

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

Carlton’s Valedictorian ready for the next chapter

Jun 28, 2022 | 9:00 AM

Hundreds of students will soon be walking the stage at the grad commencement ceremony for Prince Albert’s Carlton High School.

Among those taking the congratulatory walk is this year’s valedictorian Neven Grujic.

He spoke to paNOW before the big moment about his excitement, his memories, and what lies ahead.

Grujic comes from a first-generation Serbian family, of which many have careers in the healthcare sector, which is the path he will pursue in nursing.

“I have a whole lot of health care professionals in my family. Lots of nurses, a couple of doctors, it just runs in the family. I feel I’ll really enjoy it. I’ve always been one to help.”

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He added he plans to take all four years of his nursing studies at the University of Saskatchewan in P.A.

Unlike other schools in the city, Neven was announced as the Valedictorian weeks ago. He said he was both relieved and ecstatic when he found out.

“I can only describe it as relieved and incredibly excited. I couldn’t believe it was happening.”

With graduation only hours away for Neven and his classmates, he said there are mixed emotions about ending one chapter of his life and embarking on another.

“I’m definitely nervous and excited. I’m looking forward to it, not because I didn’t enjoy Carlton, I can’t tell you how much I did. It’s definitely scary moving out into the world. I know it’s just going to be a new chapter. I’m going to have fun; it’s going to be good.”

As for his favourite memories of his time at Carlton, he was at first lost for words trying to figure out what stood out to him the most. In the end, he said the connections he built with students and teachers were number one.

“I’ve made countless memories for sure. All the lunches I’ve spent with friends and the lunch hours I spent studying with teachers. When I think back, I loved it.”

Neven and the rest of the Class of 2022 will celebrate their achievements on Tuesday afternoon.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock