Top provincial honours for Airdrie’s Grade Six student

Edith Salazar Godinez a Grade Six Airdrie student at Our Lady Queen of Peace school (Calgary Catholic School District - CSSD) was awarded the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) 2024 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award earlier this week.

She is one of nine student recipients across the province who were celebrated in Edmonton for their, 'tremendous growth in developing skills to better themselves through determination, initiative and independence, leading to their improvement and success both academically and personally.'

When asked what her favourite subject in school is, Salazar Godinez said that it is math, and she is especially fond of Algebra.

"[Edith] has shown remarkable growth in her academic achievements. Her outstanding attitude, actions, and characteristics set her apart as an exemplary student. Since arriving in Canada in 2019 from Mexico, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her education and personal growth," The ASBA stated.

But it is not just her love of learning that has been recognized. Her teacher, Melissa Madsen, who has taught Salazar Godinez for two years, observed that her student always strives to be better.

"It's not just that; it's also her leadership and how she treats other kids in the class and how she holds herself every day. She is always very positive. If she sees somebody who is unhappy, she always is there [for them]," Madsen said.

Her classmates also found out about her accolade this week and Madsen said there was plenty of clapping and cheering.

"Some of the kids were looking up how many grades six students there were in Alberta, saying she's one in a million. A lot of kids said she deserves it and they do see who she is. Everyone was celebrating her," she added.

While Salazar Godinez is heading to Grade Seven in the fall, she already has plans for her future. Although, when she was younger, she thought of being a designer, Godinez is now thinking of another profession.

"For now, I'd like to be a teacher... or maybe in administration," she said.

Michelle Davies, Principal at our Lady Queen of Peace school said that seeing a student from her school achieve such an accolade makes her proud.

"... The incredible gifts and talents that she brings each day to our school community. I am so thankful for our teacher, Melissa Madsen for recognizing the gifts in her and putting forth the nomination," Davies said. "We're most proud of her in the way that she supports other people."

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Salma Lakhani who attended the ceremonies in Edmonton honouring the students said that the student's hard work is an example to everyone.

"These students have demonstrated determination, initiative and resilience in their personal and academic journeys. Their hard work and strength of character are an example to us all and remind us of the value of continued self-improvement. We are extremely proud of each of the recipients."

Although English is her second language, she has shown great resilience in everything she does. Her mother, while shocked by her daughter's nomination and award, said that she believed her daughter deserved the recognition for her hard work.

"Her choice when they wanted to come here, was to allow her kids to have a better future. She always mentioned that her biggest thing is she always wants her girls to do well and to accept any opportunity out there given," Madsen said. "She's always encouraged Edith to work her hardest and advocate for herself."

Salazar Godinez also had advice for other students, saying that it is important to stay true to oneself and to always try, no matter what.

"... Because what if you do not? You do not know. You could. Yes, you may fail, but always try," she said. "And be kind."

With three regions throughout the province (north, central, and south), there were three award categories in each region. There is one award issued for each grade category in each of the three regions, for a total of nine awards. Grade categories include Grade 6, Grade 9, and Grade 11.

Salazar Godinez was one of three students in the south region that won the award. Grade 11 student from Calgary Cassandra Klak, also within the CSSD, as well as Grade Nine student, Keagan Farmer, from Drumheller (Golden Hills School Division) were also recipients in the south region.

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