Lambrick Park valedictorian Yuto Loo couldn’t be more excited about his future.
This fall, the 17-year-old Saanich grad will stroll into his first class at the University of Victoria (UVic), where he has been accepted into the school’s kinesiology program.
“I'm optimistic,” he said. “It's definitely going to be a fun time and a good learning experience.”
But before heading out to buy stacks of textbooks, Loo had to deliver a speech to 150 classmates, hundreds of families and a raft of teachers at the class's June 4 graduation ceremony – a task delegated to one valedictorian every year.
“It's great that I get to go up on stage and give a speech to everyone before we all celebrate and go our separate ways," said Loo. "It's definitely a great opportunity."
The soon-to-be graduate explained much of his address will emphasize the importance of embracing the here and now.
“I want to tell (my classmates) to savour every moment in life because time flies really quickly, and it's really important to remember all the memories you've made over the years,” said Loo. “Also, we don't have much time over the years, and we're not going to have as much time as we have right now, so I want them to do the things that they love and spend the time with the people that they are close to.”
In writing his speech, Loo has had plenty of time to reflect on his time at Lambrick – a formative four years chock-full of memories, including those he made staying fit.
“I think the standout moments are from all the travelling I've done in sports for Lambrick,” he said. “It’s like we’re one big family.”
Loo played on the school's soccer, volleyball, basketball and track and field teams, snagging a raft of awards in the process.
This year, for example, he and his teammates won Island and Greater Victoria volleyball competitions and topped rivals at VIU and Camosun tournaments.
Loo also cited the closeness of his class as a highlight of his time at the Saanich school.
"Since we're a smaller school, we see each other every day and say hi, so that also builds a bond between us,” he said. “It makes it more exciting for our graduation and everything else that's coming up.”
As for Loo's time on sports fields and in classrooms, he attributes much of his success to his rock-solid work ethic.
“My parents definitely talked me into doing my best and ... put 100 per cent into everything I can do,” he said. “But at the same time, I always try to have fun."
While still three months from starting on his bachelor's degree, Loo already has his eyes set on a more distant goal: medical school.
"It would be great since there's not many doctors around,” he said. “It’s good to help out the community.”
