Valedictorian announced as Carlton parade launches graduation season

The other valedictorian candidates were Damien Court, Ryan Pidborchynski and Elizabeth Sulewski.

Ferguson said the selection process included an application reviewed by a committee of grad teachers.

“All of these students who are excelling are not just students who only focus on academics,” she said.

Ferguson noted the shortlisted students were heavily involved in athletics, arts and extracurricular activities both in and outside the school community.

She said David stood out not only for his academic achievement, but for his involvement throughout the school.

“He was just the stage manager for the Mamma Mia production,” Ferguson said. “And so he’s also in our science club, the Beam team (an advanced science research program). He does a lot of work in our school and is really a well-rounded kid, not just an academic-focused person.”

Some students personalized their grad caps. (Image Credit: paNOW Staff)

The grad parade itself has become a long-standing tradition at Carlton and was originally created to give younger students a chance to celebrate graduating classmates and look ahead to their own futures.

“This is kind of like the kickoff to graduation,” Ferguson said. “It’s a great day.”

The parade has also grown into a community event, with families gathering to cheer on graduates as they make their way around the school grounds.

Ferguson said the Class of 2026 has been a memorable group to watch throughout their high school journey.

“The road may have been bumpy, but they’ve all come out on the other end with smiles on their faces and kindness in their hearts,” she said. “We’re excited to see what changes they make in the world.”

While graduation celebrations are underway, classes will continue for another six weeks before final ceremonies on June 23.

About 317 graduates from Carlton will receive their diplomas next month. (Image Credit: paNOW Staff)

SENIOR ASSASSIN SPLASH IN

Outside the classroom, many Grade 12 students are also embracing one final high school tradition that has become increasingly visible around Prince Albert in recent weeks — the unofficial “Senior Assassin” game.

The game, played outside school hours and not affiliated with the school, sees students attempting to “eliminate” classmates using water pistols while avoiding being targeted themselves. Participants can often be spotted around the city wearing swim goggles or carrying inflatable pool floaties, both of which act as immunity items within the game’s rules.

A social media page dedicated to Carlton Comprehensive High School Senior Assassin 2026. (Image Credit: Instagram)

For many residents, the sight of formally dressed teens sprinting through parking lots clutching squirt guns has become an unexpected sign that graduation season has arrived.

Ferguson said students have handled the game respectfully, keeping it out of classrooms and hallways while still finding ways to enjoy the tradition together.

“One thing I love about it is it really seems to bring them together,” she said. “Kids that I didn’t even know had social connections are now laughing and having fun together.”

A group of friends celebrate their graduation. (Image Credit: paNOW Staff)

She said the game has become a lighthearted way for students to make a few final memories before heading off in different directions after graduation.

“I think it’s just one last time before they venture off into adulthood that they just get to be kids,” Ferguson said. “And they’re really enjoying themselves.”

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by paNOW Staff

Valedictorian announced as Carlton parade launches graduation season

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