Spring Convocation 2025: The Valedictorians

Being selected to be a valedictorian is a tremendous honour. The individuals selected are not only excellent academically, but they are involved in their communities, possess strong character traits, and make lasting impressions on their classmates and instructors.

While we cannot possibly capture how amazing Bow Valley College’s Spring 2025 valedictorians are in a few words, we are happy to present this small snapshot: What each of them values; what their time at Bow Valley College has been like; and what each of them looking forward to as the next stage of their life unfolds.

The valedictorians are:

·       Tracey Dalgetty, Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma, School of Community Studies

·       Nikolas “Niko” Florez, Advanced Visual Effects Diploma, Centre for Entertainment Arts

·       Odylon “Ody” Garo, Software Development – Apprenticeship Style Diploma, School of Technology

·       Jemily Neshine, Health Care Aide Certificate, School of Health and Wellness‍

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‍Each of our valedictorians – like each Bow Valley College student– has a unique story. We asked each of them to share an interesting fact about themselves.

Ody: My wife and I had our daughter when I was 20 and she was 19. A year later, we bought our first home. It was a big responsibility at a young age, but it taught us a lot about perseverance and commitment.

Tracey: I am a speed reader and can easily devour a book in no time, which served me well as a student.

Niko: I first studied environmental engineering in university. I dropped it and moved to filmmaking as my major. Also, my first term at BVC was very hard. I didn't have experience with much of the software we were using. I even cried many times while looking my screen because I felt lost. I had to wake up at 5 a.m. every day to study just to catch up with my classmates.

Jemily: I have a huge passion for musical theatre. I was in the Central Memorial High School Preforming and Visual Arts Drama program, and musical theatre has always remained a very important part of my life.

‍No matter what each student brings to Bow Valley College, being a full-time student becomes a life on its own. We wanted to know what the best thing about being a Bow Valley College student was for Jemily, Niko, Ody, and Tracey.

Jemily: The friends I made. Prior to moving to Calgary, I lived in Lethbridge for 10 years. I found it very difficult to find a social circle after moving, but thanks to my schooling I made so many valuable friends that will come with me even after graduation. 

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Tracey: The highlight of my time at BVC was connecting with fellow students and instructors who shared my passion for early childhood education and development. Even though I completed my studies online, I felt a strong bond with the Bow Valley College community. The chance to engage with instructors and classmates who were equally dedicated to early childhood education made my journey meaningful and enriching.

Ody: Camaraderie with other students, learning together, supporting each other, and building lasting connections. Those were truly the best things about my time at Bow Valley College.

Niko: Having the opportunity to create a full production crew using different Centre for Entertainment Arts students, instructors and educational assistants. I loved seeing the collaboration among them all.‍

‍We asked each valedictorian to name their favourite food at the Market cafeteria on campus.

‍Niko: Burgers! 🍔

Jemily: Always the french fries!

Ody: Fresh fruit from the Market has always been a go-to for me.

Tracey: Unfortunately, I have never been to the cafeteria. I was an online student, so I never attended class in-person at the college.

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‍Tracey’s response to the previous question highlights that Bow Valley College is about so much more than physical space, it’s about community– a community which holds five values at its core: Respect, inclusion, teamwork, resilience, and creativity.

We asked each of our valedictorians which of these values resonates most with them, and why.

Tracey: Among the college’s core values, resilience resonates with me the most –it’s a belief I highlight in my valedictorian speech. I see resilience not only as a vital life skill but as a foundational quality we nurture in children. It’s the ability to adapt, to persevere, and to approach challenges with confidence – a lesson that has guided me through my own academic journey.

Niko: Creativity and teamwork have been my values over years of professional development.

Ody: Resilience. Returning to school while balancing work and family took persistence and adaptability. I saw that same resilient spirit in many of my classmates, and it was inspiring. We are all called to do more, to grow, lead, and make a difference, and I believe our best days are still ahead of us.

Jemily: Respect and inclusion. I don't think I've experienced a school environment so understanding of my circumstances and that worked with me to overcome them. I was taught all about respect for clients and was shown so much respect throughout my program.

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‍Ultimately, coming to Bow Valley College as a student is about launching, advancing, or evolving your career. We asked Tracey, Niko, Ody, and Jemily what they are most looking forward to as they move on from Bow Valley College into the next phase of their career paths.

 Niko: Making my projects come true – the movie and the TV show I'm working on. (Click here to see a teaser trailer for Niko’s project, Guardians of the Legends).

 Jemily: Being my patients’ advocate. I'm outspoken, and I will be a voice for my patients when they may not feelcomfortable advocating for themselves. The one-on-one care that health care aides provide allows us more time to understand our patients and their needs, giving us a better understanding of them as people while being their advocate. 

 Ody: I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned at school in the workplace. Completing this diploma opens many doors, as most employers now expect at least a two-year credential from a recognized institution. While I already have years of professional experience, this diploma bridges the gap and will enable me to pursue designations like the Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) through ASET (Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta). It’s an exciting next chapter.

 Tracey: I have been an early childhood educator operating my day home for over 20 years, so I am not "new" in launching my career. What I can say is that I am a passionate advocate for early childhood education, dedicated to shaping the future through the youngest of learners, and will continue to advocate going forward.

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‍Bow Valley College’s Spring Convocation takes place on June 18 and 19 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons.

‍Check out this page for info on how you can watch livestreams of the Spring Convocation ceremonies.

Nikolas Florez will give his valedictorian address during the June 18^th 9:00 a.m. ceremony.

Odylon Garo will give his valedictorian address during the June 18^th 2:00 p.m. ceremony.

Tracey Dalgetty will give her valedictorian address during the June 19^th 9:00 a.m. ceremony.

Jemily Neshine will give her valedictorian address during the June 19^th 2:00 p.m. ceremony.