Lethbridge Polytechnic has named the valedictorian for the Fall 2026 Convocation.
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology student Sarah Watters has earned the honour. Officials said her experiences have taken her across the country, and she landed in southern Alberta in 2022 ready for her next adventure.
Watters first enrolled in the post-secondary’s Administrative Office Professional program and after graduating, she was encouraged by her husband to look into the TRG program, following his advice of, “Just do something you love.”
“I’ve always wanted to do rec therapy, and it’s just so convenient that the polytechnic happens to be in the town I live in and offers it,” Watters said. “Every step of the program for the last two years has just confirmed that I’m definitely where I should be.”
Over the course of her studies, Watters balanced a full course load with about 30 hours of work per week to help pay for school and living expenses, while volunteering in the community. The Fall 2026 valedictorian said she credits her ‘amazing’ instructors, like Janice Anton and Rena Walker, for supporting her throughout the journey.
“I know they don’t have to, but they come to work every day excited to be there to teach,” Watters said. “They’re interested in what they’re teaching. You can tell they care about us as students. They’re invested in us, and they want us to succeed.”
Anton noted that Watters “embodies the leadership and ambassador qualities that are hallmarks of our alumni community.”
“She was an active participant in classroom discussions, and her contributions to group work have been exemplary, often going above and beyond to ensure the success of collaborative projects. I am confident she will continue to inspire and lead with the same dedication and passion that she has shown throughout her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic,” Anton stated.
Watters said the benefits of recreation therapy are personal to her.
“I got skin cancer in 2025,” she remarked. “This was a good wake-up call to start changing to a more stress-free lifestyle. I do that by fully engaging in recreation – walking every day to emotionally regulate and release tension, being in nature to reflect and ponder, spending time with loved ones and friends to laugh and socialize. I truly believe in the benefits of recreation and have seen them significantly and positively impact my health.”
The valedictorian said she always aims to improve her professional competency and earned her Class 4 driver’s license last spring in order to drive small buses to take seniors on outings in the community. Additionally, she is working toward a certification to teach cardio drumming and DROM (drumming/mindfulness/play), which she hopes to implement at her workplaces: Extendicare Fairmont Park, Edith Cavell Care Centre, and St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, as well as Chinook Lodge in Cardston.
“I really love the interactions I get to have with clients,” she stated. “They’re amazing. They’re wonderful. I love to help them improve their quality of life and thrive.”
Watters’ work in the classroom has not ended. She is currently enrolled at the University of Lethbridge, working toward a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.
She will lead the procession of graduates and speak at the Fall 2026 Convocation ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
