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Geneva Johnson-Harder is the daughter of well known local artist Harmony Johnson-Harder and granddaughter of the late Harold Johnson. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
Youth success

PACI celebrates 2026 graduation

Jun 22, 2026 | 5:04 PM

Perseverance. 

That’s the key message this year’s class valedictorian is sharing with the graduating class at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI). More than 40 students sat on the stage Monday at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre. 

Geneva Johnson-Harder, 18, said being asked to represent her class was a surreal feeling and represented proof her age group can still finish. 

“There have been a lot of struggles with kids my age being able to graduate and being able to go to school. I’m so glad that I’m able to represent all of the people around me who managed to power through high school,” she said. 

When asked to elaborate on the challenges, Johnson-Harder said COVID-19 had a big impact and many of her classmates found it difficult to catch up. When asked what advice she would pass on to this year’s graduating class, she said hard work and not giving up are important. 

“Everything works out in the end. You just have to power through the hard stuff. Nothing ever comes easy and if you just manage to power through what isn’t easy, it will work out.” 


(Image Credit: Susan McNeil/ paNOW Staff)

In addition to her school work, Johnson-Harder, who grew up in the North, spent countless hours volunteering at elections and at the Salvation Army. She said the Christmas Day fire at the building had a big impact on her. In the following weeks, she and her friends helped fundraise. 

“It was really nice to be able to be a part of bringing it back together,” she said. 

In the fall, the 18-year-old plans to attend the University of Saskatchewan and pursue a degree in classical and medieval Renaissance studies. She hopes to one day work in museums or become a history or art teacher. 

Asked about her time at PACI, Johnson-Harder said the school has a much different feel than larger schools. 

“I’m able to start a conversation with anybody here, no matter what. Even if you don’t know anybody, everybody here knows each other almost. It’s such a small community, where we all know and care about each other, versus at the other schools, where there are so many students that you kind of have to find your space. But you don’t really have to find your space here, because being at PACI, everything is your space.” 

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell