Nicholas Samuelson and Claire Holt have been named valedictorians at McCoy high school this year (file photo/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

McCoy valedictorians excited for future

Jun 20, 2021 | 9:33 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Two students at Monsignor McCoy High School will carry the name valedictorian for the class of 2021.

For students, Claire Holt and Nicholas Samuelson, reaching the coveted spot began three years ago.

“The school used to post the averages on a bulletin board, and I saw Claire’s name next to mine, and I said congratulations, and then ever since then it has been three years of challenging each other, and supporting one another to get to where we are today.” Samuelson said.

For Holt, she’s thrilled at the opportunity to share the spot of valedictorian with Nick

“I think the experience is so much better because of sharing it with him,” Holt said.

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“It’s pushed me to do better. I don’t think I would have been here if it wasn’t for him,” Holt added.

According to the valedictorians, it has been a challenging go for the graduating class, with school closures and the switch to online learning. But Holt and Samuelson said students have shown great perseverance.

In the fall, Holt will be attending the University of Calgary to study Biomedical Sciences. She enjoys learning about immunology and hopes to one day specialize in that and obtain a medical degree.

Samuelson will be attending UBC Vancouver to study Biophysics. He hopes to get into medical school to become a pediatrician.