Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy student Paul Skretting has been named valedictorian for Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Spring 2026 Convocation class. He will lead the procession of graduates and speak at the afternoon ceremony planned for 2 p.m. May 22 in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
“I was shocked,” says Skretting, when he heard he had been selected. “I am not your typical Ag student because I don’t come from a farm, so to graduate at the top of the class is quite an achievement for me.”
Growing up in Lethbridge and graduating from Catholic Central High School, Skretting says he chose to attend the polytechnic because it was close to home and offered the hands-on experience he needed to succeed.
When it came to his decision to pursue the Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy diploma, Skretting says he was inspired by his grandfather.
“My grandpa was a farmer, and he was the first person I ever worked for,” he says. “It kindled a joy and a yearning for knowledge in this industry. I have fond memories of spending weekends as a kid branding, fixing fences and freezing my fingers feeding cows in the winter.”
While Skretting says he experienced highlights of the Agriculture Sciences program “every week,” he especially enjoyed time in the campus greenhouse, along with field trips and networking events such as Ag Expo, Western Tractor Days and the Irrigated Crop Production Update.
Kristy Vavra, Agriculture Sciences instructor, says Skretting has been an exceptional student from the beginning – contributing to class discussions, leading by example and creating a positive learning environment for his peers.
“Although he did not come from a direct farming background, his connection to his grandfather’s farm sparked interest in agriculture,” she says. “With his work ethic, integrity and passion for agriculture, Paul will make an impact in whatever area of the industry he chooses.”
Since working for his grandfather, Skretting has gained experience in the industry as an agriculture mechanic and, more recently, as an agronomist – a career he plans to continue after completing the polytechnic’s Bachelor of Agriculture Science post-diploma degree.
Skretting says he is grateful for the support he’s received along the way and would like to thank his family, friends and instructors for helping him reach this milestone. He may not consider himself a “typical” agriculture student, but he says his journey shows there’s no single path into the industry – something he hopes future students will consider.
“Shoot for the moon,” he says. “You’ll never know if you enjoy it unless you give it a try.”
This year’s Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22, in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. For more information, go to lethpolytech.ca/convocation.