Math whiz becomes valedictorian at St. Timothy's

From acing her math diploma exam to being named valedictorian, it's been a great way to finish off high school for Adaeze Ogboruche.

The grade 12 St. Timothy High School student said she was surprised to learn she had been selected valedictorian. 

"I didn't expect to be because I'm not a speech person, I'm not very good at writing, I'm more of a math and science person but I try to put a lot of dedication into my work. When I do something, I try to make it the best I can possibly do, and if I do it last minute, then I try to make it the best last minute I can do." 

Ogboruche put a lot of thought into her speech and came up with a great way to relate to her classmates. 

"I really wanted to get a message of gratitude, resilience and courage out and I used a flower metaphor to do that. The way that flowers grow, they don't usually grow in a linear way, especially in nature. Talking about how they can twist and turn, they don't usually grow the way they are expected to grow but they grow nonetheless."

She said her best advice for other graduates is to work smarter not harder.

"Efficiency is probably your best way through going through things. Finding out the way that you learn best or dedicating your time to areas that you know you need to improve in and delegating your time well."

Adaeze Ogboruche popped by 91.5 CochraneNow 

Ogboruche was born in Nigeria, before living in the UK for six years. She has since lived in Canada and has attended St. Timothy's since grade 7.

She has been awarded a $60,000 scholarship to attend Queen's University in the fall where she will study mechanical engineering. 

"I didn't really want to stay in Alberta, I wanted to go out, I consider myself an extrovert. I really wanted to put myself in a situation where I wouldn't know anybody. So I would get to know people. I do think university is a dual experience, both for the education and the social experience."

Graduation was held on May 31.