Daniel Grimes and Owen Gallagher -- Photo Credit Palliser Regional Schools

By Connor Gunn

Kate Andrews High surprises this year’s valedictorian in style

May 29, 2020 | 3:13 PM

COALDALE, AB- Owen Gallagher was asked to go over to his grandmother’s home to mow her lawn and received a pleasant change of events.

Gallagher heard sirens from afar and suspected the sounds he was hearing was just another graduation parade for the 2020 graduates.

Things changed once Kate Andrews High School (KAHS) Principal Daniel Grimes informed he is this year’s valedictorian.

Staff members of the school, some friends, and a fire truck made the celebration of Gallagher being named the class of 2020’s valedictorian quite special.

Gallagher said he thought he was in the running for valedictorian with quite high marks, but he never anticipated he would get the honour.

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As school has come to an abrupt halt, KAHS is doing their own form of a graduation ceremony.

KAHS released that on June 19, the grads and limited guests will proceed to the gym in small groups over a staggered schedule because of social distancing measures.

They will receive a gift bag with a flash drive, their diploma, pose for photographs, and then pick up a pre-ordered, catered-meal curbside.

Gallagher’s valedictorian speech will be recorded and downloaded onto a flash drive along with messages from staff to the graduating class and a special slideshow.

While not being able to celebrate with his friends as he had hoped, Gallagher said something is better than nothing.

Coaldale Fire staff — Photo credit to Palliser Regional Schools

Friends of Owen Gallagher — Photo credit to Palliser Regional Schools