This is the big week that 161 students at École Olds High School have been counting down to since the start of the 2025-2026 educational calendar.
Grade 12 student Stella Brown is the valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Stella says “I think my family, they’ve always been my number one supporters – like always been the ones who encouraged me, and pushed me to do more and be my best. So I think for them, seeing this and seeing what I was able to accomplish with their help, I think they are just going to be very proud – maybe a little sad – but lots of emotions for sure.”
Stella’s Dad, Michael Brown, is a teacher at EOHS and so she has selected him as the staff member to introduce her during the grad ceremony. Mike says “I said, of course. I was just so happy that she asked me and I get to be up there with her and I’m just so proud of the work she did. It’s all her and she just put so much effort into it, so couldn’t be more proud. So, it’s amazing that I get to introduce her to everyone.” Principal Meaghan Reist says “you know, I’m trying to think back to my teaching days at Olds High School and I think this is a first. I think every parent, to have that big piece in raising your children but then to have the honour and watch Mike Brown get to introduce his daughter as valedictorian, the pride they must be feeling – he and Melissa. I’m envious of that as a parent myself. What an amazing experience and we’re excited to share in that moment with them.”
Reist says Brown has a 96 per cent average this year currently in two high school sciences, her math, her social, and math 30-1. Stella will be going to the University of Calgary next fall to take Bio-Medical Sciences. According to Reist, the valedictorian is based on marks. She says “but the reason she is a brilliant selection as valedictorian is because she also embodies that piece of what it means to be a student and a Spartan at Olds High. She is involved in music, she is involved in her friend group, she works incredibly hard in school but then is also out on the field and participating in our athletics. She is such a well rounded student and I cannot wait to hear what she has to say.”
Reist points out that the Class of 2026 is a kind and incredibly resilient group that has navigated through a tough educational experience by coming out on the other side from not only the COVID pandemic but also now labour action this year. She says “in all honesty, we have probably one of the largest groups of honours students – students who have achieved 80 per cent or over in a good number of their core curriculum classes – so they don’t just persevere but they continue to succeed and go above and beyond, and we’re just incredibly proud of them.”
Stella highlights the fact that Principal Reist is very special to the Class of ’26. She says “when she (Reist) first took this position (Principal) we were the first grade 9s. So this is her first class that she has seen from grade 9 to grade 12 and now we are graduating, so that is a super special day for her and for us.” Reist is honoured and very excited to shake all of their hands this weekend. She says “I’ve known these kids since they were in grade 7. I went over to École Deer Meadow School and was a Vice-Principal there and then I walked through grade 8 with them as an Acting-Principal and we came over (to EOHS) together. So we are kind of a bonded unit, if you will, but to watch some of these students that have had great success and others who have really had to work very, very hard to make it across the stage this weekend, it is just a privilege that I do not overlook.”
See the full schedule of Grad Week events and find the livestream link on the École Olds High School website.
Listen to 96.5 The Ranch’s Community Hotline Conversation with Meaghan Reist.
The Ranch also had the privilege of chatting with both Stella and Michael Brown.
