COCHRANE— Proving to be the Renaissance man of the Cochrane High School Class of 2020, valedictorian Condy Wunder,17, is always ready to take on a challenge.
Wunder played on many sports teams, sang in the choir and dedicated himself to the school's leadership program.
“I really wanted to embody all of our different school's aspects, while also working hard at class,” Wunder said.
He especially enjoyed playing sports throughout his High School career. Unfortunately, he was only to play basketball and volleyball in Grade 12 as the sports season was cut-short when COVID-19 forced the closure of schools in March.
Wunder added that he relished singing baritone in the choir and the chance to engage with music.
“That was very fun,” Wunder said.
It was a challenging school year he said and it was exciting going into Grade 12 because he knew lots of the teachers and was good friends with his classmates.
“However, with COVID obviously that changed everything quite a bit,” Wunder said. “It took away us graduates hopes of the traditional graduation.”
Wunder added that the Class of 2020 was very lucky because the incredible staff were able to organize an online graduation to celebrate their rite of passage.
However, it is still upsetting that they were unable to celebrate together in-person due to the virus, he said.
“If we could be together I think we would be reflecting on all the fun memories we did get to make together during our time in school,” Wunder said. “We would be able to celebrate this milestone together.”
The class made many good memories and had many amazing accomplishments throughout the year he said, and it is exciting to see what his classmates will do next.
Wunder said he has a single message for the Class of 2020— “Remember your community, be of strong character and commit to making the world around you a better place.”
It is more important than ever to stan together as a community given the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Wunder added that the virus serves as a reminder to stay strong together and stay positive in a challenging time both as a school community and the community of Cochrane.
Wunder said he was very excited when the school’s vice-principal called to tell him he had been selected, valedictorian.
“I was a bit surprised there are lots of very good candidates in our school and hard workers who qualified for valedictorian as well,” Wunder said.
He added that his hard work to be involved in as many activities and aspects of the schools likely played a role in helping him gain the title.
Wunder will be attending McGill University in Montreal for business in the fall. He is unsure if he will be attending classes in-person or online.
