Edge School's valedictorian Jettson Koch will be keeping his hockey talents close to home after graduating from the Springbank-based private school this summer.
The 18-year-old graduate of the Edge hockey program has committed his future to the Calgary Canucks junior A team, which competes in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
Shortly before giving his valedictorian address at the Edge School's convocation ceremony on June 28, Koch told the Rocky View Weekly he was honoured to have been nominated for the distinction – particularly at a school like Edge, which caters to highly motivated, elite-level athletes across a variety of sports.
“I’m really excited,” he said, of being named valedictorian. “It’s definitely a dream come true and something I always wanted to accomplish. I’m pretty proud of myself for accomplishing it.
During his time at Edge, Koch was a member of the school's U18 prep team, which won a league championship earlier this year.
“I think most people would think it’s maybe more difficult to become a valedictorian at a school like Edge, where everyone is so driven, but in my view, it’s almost a bit easier because you’re just surrounded by a driven culture where everyone is so motivated to do their best,” he said. “Everyone there is like-minded, so it really just motivates you to push yourself and be the best version of yourself that you can.”
With high school suddenly in the rear view mirror, Koch said he plans to continue focusing on competitive hockey as he joins the Canucks for the 2023-24 AJHL season.
Looking a bit further down the road, Koch said he hopes to eventually receive an NCAA scholarship, which would enable him to play university hockey south of the border. With that in mind, he said he'll be studying for the SAT throughout this rookie AJHL campaign.
While professional hockey is a valid possibility for someone with Koch's sporting resume, he noted a career in the pros isn't necessarily on his mind at the moment.
“I think pro hockey would be a really good experience, but personally for me, while I really like hockey, I think there are other things I’d like to do beyond hockey,” he said. “Hockey isn’t the end goal for me. I think there are different careers and things I’d like to pursue once hockey is done.”
He cited business, finance, and writing as his other areas of interest or possible career paths.
“I’d like to start my own business one day, and I really like finance,” he said. “I do like writing, so maybe I could write a book at some point.”
For next year's Grade 12 students at the Edge School, Koch said he encourages the seniors to cherish every moment at the school and not take their time there for granted.
“Enjoy it every day…and just enjoy being around your friends, the culture, the fun days we have but also the days that aren’t so fun,” he said. “Just embrace the overall experience of being in high school, whether the good or the bad.”
