Being named the first valedictorian of Lethbridge Polytechnic is an honour Abigayle (Abby) Terrill says she never could have imagined.
“It’s surreal that I achieved something so big, and I am very proud of my accomplishment,” says the Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy student.
On May 23, Terrill will take centre stage in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium, leading the procession of graduates and delivering a speech at the afternoon ceremony. The opportunity is especially significant as the post-secondary institution celebrates its first graduating class since transitioning from a college to a polytechnic in the summer of 2024.
Raised on a ranch near Cardston, Terrill developed a natural interest in agriculture early on. After graduating from Cardston High School, she followed her passion for animals to then-Lethbridge College and enrolled in the Agriculture Sciences 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 says she built important connections with her peers and within the agriculture industry during her time on campus, and she credits her instructors for a memorable three years filled with field trips, conferences and hands-on learning.
One of the highlights, she recalls, was attending the Alberta Beef Industry Conference in March 2024 in Calgary – one of Canada’s largest beef conventions and trade shows. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network with important people in the industry,” Terrill says.
While dedicated to academic success, Terrill also believes in a balanced approach to campus life. She spent two years as a member of the student-run Aggie Club and suggests her journey at Lethbridge Polytechnic has been shaped not just by her studies, but also by the friendships she’s formed. “I love the memories I have made with my classmates,” she says.
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, confidently. “But I also might go to veterinary school.”
In the meantime, Terrill wants to explore new hobbies and hands-on experiences, saying she is always ready to embrace opportunities to learn and grow. It’s the same mindset she encourages in future polytechnic students. “Always do your best in everything you do, but don’t strive for perfection,” she says.
This grounded approach, along with her academic success, dedication and enthusiasm, all support Terrill’s appointment as spring 2025 valedictorian.
“Abby is a perfect choice,” says Agriculture Sciences instructor Clair 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.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic will celebrate Terrill and all spring 2025 graduates with two convocation ceremonies, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Friday, May 23. Both ceremonies will be streamed online at lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
