Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology (TRG) student Sarah Watters has been named valedictorian for Lethbridge Polytechnic's Fall 2026 Convocation.
From left: Debra Bardock, dean, Centre for Health and Wellness; Sarah Watters, Fall 2026 valedictorian; Deanna Gonnelly, associate dean, Centre for Health and Wellness.
Watters, whose experiences have taken her across the country through home and interior design work in Alberta and tourism in Prince Edward Island, landed in southern Alberta in 2022 ready for a new endeavour.
She first enrolled in the polytechnic's Administrative Office Professional program. After graduating, Watters was encouraged by her husband to explore the TRG program. His advice was simple: "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 says. "Every step of the program for the last two years has just confirmed that I'm definitely where I should be."
Throughout her program, Watters balanced a full course load with approximately 30 hours of work each week to help pay for school and living expenses while contributing to volunteer initiatives in her community.
She credits her "amazing" instructors, including Janice Anton and Rena Walker, for supporting her along the way.
"I know they don't have to, but they come to work every day excited to be there to teach," she says. "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."
"Sarah embodies the leadership and ambassador qualities that are hallmarks of our alumni community," says Anton. "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."
For Watters, the benefits of recreation therapy are deeply personal.
"I got skin cancer in 2025," she says. "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."
Watters adds she is always improving her professional competency and got her Class 4 driver's license last spring so she could drive small buses to take seniors on outings. She is also working toward becoming certified to teach cardio drumming and DROM (drumming/mindfulness/play), which she hopes to bring to her workplaces at Extendicare Fairmont Park, Edith Cavell Care Centre and St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge and Chinook Lodge in Cardston.
"I really love the interactions I get to have with clients," she says. "They're amazing. They're wonderful. I love to help them improve their quality of life and thrive."
Watters' passion for the profession is continuing through higher education as well. She is currently enrolled at the University of Lethbridge where she is working toward her bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation.
Watters will lead the procession of graduates and speak at Lethbridge Polytechnic's Fall 2026 Convocation ceremony planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
For more information, go to lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
