Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy student, Abigayle (Abby) Terrill, has been named valedictorian of the first class to graduate from Lethbridge Polytechnic. She will lead the procession of graduates and speak at the afternoon ceremony planned for 2 p.m. May 23 in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
The post-secondary institution transitioned from college to polytechnic in the summer of 2024, so Spring 2025 convocates will be the first students to receive a parchment from Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Raised on a ranch near Cardston, Terrill developed an interest in agriculture early on. After graduating from Cardston High School, she followed her passion for animals to Lethbridge Polytechnic and enrolled in the Agriculture Sciences diploma program. She completed her first diploma, with a major in Animal Science, last spring.
“I love working with cows – it’s my favourite thing – so Animal Science was a reasonable program,” she says. “Then I thought, what’s one extra year to get an Agronomy diploma? Plus, it’s valuable information.”
Terrill was also a member of the student-run Aggie Club. She says she built valuable connections with her peers and within the agriculture industry during her time on campus and credits her instructors, like Clair Fitzpatrick, for a memorable three years filled with field trips, conferences and hands-on learning.
“Abby is a perfect choice for valedictorian,” says Fitzpatrick. “She is an exceptional student and representative of this institution and the agriculture industry. More importantly, beyond dedication and success in her studies, Abby is an even better person. Our program was lucky to have her.”
As for what’s next, Terrill says she’s weighing her options. “Eventually I’ll go home and run the ranch with my mom,” she says, “but I also might go to veterinary school.”
This year’s Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. For more information, go to lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
