The stress of finals is all over, as high school seniors finished finals on Wednesday and begin their graduation ceremonies and celebrations this week.

Along with graduation, each school has also selected its valedictorians. Vanier Collegiate High School valedictorian is student-athlete Olivia Moyse.

Throughout high school, Moyse has tried to be a big part of VCI. Being a member of their SRC, a leader at Vanier Valhalla, a junior basketball player, on their soccer team, and a track athlete, she tried to not only be a part of as much as she could, but be friendly to everyone too.

Being a student-athlete can be tough and time-consuming, but she said sports gave her the brain break she needed in school. Being able to keep her mind off school work helped her keep her marks high, and staying active also helped to keep her mind sharp. Also, being self-motivated and on time with all assignments helped her achieve the 97% average she had going into finals.

Another activity she credits with her high marks was having little study groups during spares, which she says helped her to better understand subjects.

She also has a little parting advice for students coming into grade 9.

"Make the most of [high school] because everyone tells you it goes by fast, but you don't really realize it until you're in Grade 12 about to graduate," Moyse said. "So just do everything you can to get to know with and be friends with your high school class, because it ends before you know it. It's just the blink of the eye and it's done."

Throughout high school, Moyse said sports participation has been one of her biggest accomplishments. During track provincial, she managed to snag bronze in high jump twice.

As every other valedictorian must do, Moyse will be giving a speech, which she says she got more confident with as she was writing it. When she delivers it at cap and gown, she will be most excited for the ceremony.

"I've been thinking about it a lot lately because I know it's coming up quick and it just keeps getting faster and faster so, it's nerve-wracking but I think exciting that I finished a whole chapter in my life and that I get to go out into the world and be whoever I want because it's all new," Moyse explained. "So, like a mixture of nerves [for grad] but excitement too."

Next year, Moyse will be heading to the University of Saskatchewan, entering the engineering program, and she will also be on their track team. She's excited for both since she enjoys the problem-solving aspect of engineering and the competitiveness for university sports.

Vanier Collegiate has their cap and gown on June 28th and grad banquet on June 29th.