In photos: Spring 2026 valedictorians

The valedictorian is an academic tradition of convocation ceremonies, where a student representative from the graduating class is selected to speak on behalf of their classmates. It is a significant honour to be chosen as valedictorian. Students must have achieved exceptional academic success and contributed to the Sheridan community through volunteering, peer mentorship and more. 

Valedictorians joined the platform party on stage at each of Sheridan’s 12 convocation ceremonies last week at the International Centre in Mississauga. They reflected on their experiences at Sheridan and offered wisdom and inspiration for the journey ahead with their Faculty classmates and audience members. 

These are the Class of 2026 valedictorians. These are the stories they shared of growth, overcoming challenges, building empathy and resilience, and finding purpose and belonging.  

Fiza Kaleem – Pilon School of Business (PSB) 

Fiza’s time at Sheridan studying in the Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance program was marked by growth and resilience, from the early days of her program as an international student, when classmates were strangers and everything was new, to arriving at convocation. “And somewhere between our orientation and today, something shifted,” Fiza said. “People stopped being classmates and started being the reason you didn't give up on harder days. That's the part nobody puts on a transcript... where strangers became the people you'd trust with anything. That's what really made this journey special. It was a journey of growth. We didn't just study. We changed. We came in trying to build careers, but we ended up building resilience.” Fiza is proof that choosing college is a life-changing decision, and she’s stepping forward with the strength of what she learned at Sheridan. 

Samuel Heyman – PSB

Like most students, Samuel faced challenges that could feel overwhelming at times. But with the support of professors and classmates in his Business Administration – Marketing program, along with family and friends, he overcame those challenges as he worked towards discovering his ‘why.’ “Along the way, we all faced our ‘hows’: the stress, setbacks, uncertainty, and moments when life feels overwhelming. Yet, even when things felt impossible, we kept moving forward, and that is why we are here today,” Samuel reflected. “Through all of it, we pushed forward together, one assignment, one class, and one challenge at a time. We have not yet reached our ‘whys,’ and we will still face our ‘hows,’ but today proves that we are more than capable of overcoming both.” For Samuel, convocation is not only proof of what you can overcome, but of who you are and what you can become. 

Tilly Millena – PSB 

Tilly found her courage at Sheridan as both her failures and successes led to her transformation. With a background in retail management and creative writing, she showed up at college to change careers, not knowing what her return on investment would look like. “I have lived many lives before today, and I will live many after. I’ve learned that the art of this life is the art of becoming. Because of all of the experiences I said ‘yes’ to, the challenges I fought tooth and nail to overcome, and the leaders, classmates, and colleagues who pushed me, inspired me, and believed in me, the person I became happily and confidently stands in front of you today,” Tilly shared. “This could be your very first step or, like me, your second step, or maybe even your third. The journey of becoming is truly never-ending. Don't be afraid of that journey. Don't be afraid of what comes after this. Don't be afraid of who you are becoming.” From being terrified of public speaking to boldly sharing her story to a large audience at convocation, Tilly has discovered the value of her investment as she graduates from the Advertising and Marketing Communications – Management program. 

Allison Picano – Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies (FAHCS)

Allison and her classmates started their journey in Sheridan’s Social Service Worker – Gerontology program with different stories and dreams, but they finished united by one purpose: to make a difference in the lives of others. “What we learned at Sheridan is far more than theories and readings. We learned how to adapt when things became uncertain; how to support one another during stressful moments... and how important empathy is in every interaction,” Allison shared. “Applied health and community studies aren’t just jobs, they’re a commitment to care for people both mind and body, to advocate for equity, and to strengthen our communities. Our acts of kindness, patience, and understanding both big and small can have a lasting impact on someone’s life.” Allison’s education taught her the importance of reflecting on personal experiences to influence professional actions, and how to build trust with the people she is there to help. 

Melissa Gleason – FAHCS 

Melissa’s time at Sheridan in the Early Childhood Education program was highlighted by the support of her professors, who showed their students what educators truly look like, and who went above and beyond to support students. Melissa experienced this support firsthand when she went into preterm labour in her first semester. Her professors also supported her throughout the learning process. “Part of learning is failing. We cannot learn if we do not fail. We will make many mistakes, but mistakes are beautiful,” Melissa said. “It is what we do after the mistakes that matters. Don’t give up, give yourself grace, never sell yourself short, and always try again. You will surprise yourself with what you can achieve. I never thought I would be standing here as your valedictorian, but here I am.” 

Ashantee Jones-Okere – FAHCS

At Sheridan, Ashantee learned that relationships are at the heart of what child and youth care workers do. And those relationships carried her and her classmates to this moment. “Most of us came to Sheridan to learn. But somewhere along the way, we became so much more than just students,” Ashantee said. “Our time at Sheridan (in the Child and Youth Care program) was more than just about passing classes; it was about the connections and community we built along the way. They were the classmates who became support systems, and the professors who laughed with us, encouraged us, and stayed after class to make sure we were ok.” She also shared that they didn’t just learn how to do the work, but to be the kind of people this work needs. 

 

Jaspreet Kaur – FAHCS 

Jaspreet discovered that studying at Sheridan in the Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development program was one of the best decisions she’s ever made. As an international student pursuing her education in Canada, she knew the value of building community, one where she belonged and one that will stay with her for life as a new Sheridan alumna. “As we move forward, whether into graduate school, continuing our work in the field, or exploring new paths, I am confident that every single one of us will create a meaningful impact on the lives of others,” Jaspreet said. “And I encourage all of us: don’t stop there. Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep striving to be better, not only as professionals, but as people. Because in human services, who we are matters just as much as what we do.” 

Phuoc Thinh Luu – Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST) 

Thinh experienced significant success while at Sheridan, capping off his education with a gold medal at the Skills Canada national competition. He began his journey in the Architectural Technology program with ambition, but found something greater: community. “Beyond the technical knowledge, Sheridan taught us how to grow as people. We learned to be more confident, to trust in collaboration, to truly listen to one another, and most importantly, how to stay calm in the chaos,” Thinh shared. “In my field of architecture, we talked a lot about designing spectacular buildings. But whether we are designing a sustainable building, coding a complex program, or engineering a new system, the technical blueprint is only half of the story.” Thinh discovered that the “true impact of our work lies in human connection, how our creations will improve, inspire, and touch the souls of the people who use them.” 

Gabriel Warren – FAST

Gabriel found confidence through projects, technical knowledge and skills competitions at Sheridan while studying in the Welding and Fabrication Technician program. Her experiences challenged her personally and professionally, pushing her to become more capable and adaptable as she begins her career in welding and fabrication. “I am excited to already have jumped into this line of work alongside many of my Sheridan peers,” Gabriel said. “This goes to show that if you work hard and stay consistent, good things will come your way. I encourage everyone in the skilled trades to persevere and always look for more opportunities to build your knowledge. The work we do will shape homes, businesses, communities, and lives. That is something to be proud of.”   

Anreet Kaur – FAST 

Anreet knows that the future can feel uncertain as technology constantly changes and industries evolve. But she acknowledges how far she and her classmates have come since they began at Sheridan in the Computer Systems Technology program, and how they've been able to figure things out and adapt, despite the challenges. “Somewhere between the broken code, late-night assignments and group projects, we learned something bigger than technical skills. We learned how to keep going, even when things got hard,” Anreet shared. “But if these past years have taught us anything, it’s that we know how to adapt. We know how to solve problems, how to learn from failure, and how to keep moving forward even when things don’t go according to plan.”   

Roya Hmood – Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design (FAAD) 

Roya’s love of animation led her to Sheridan and the Honours Bachelor of Animation program, where she experienced both challenges and pride in studying what she was passionate about. She discovered that even something you love can come with a lot of pressure to succeed. It was easy to feel lost, but the support of those around her helped her find gratitude. “No one makes great art (when they feel) self-doubt and pressure; you make it with love and excitement,” Roya shared. “You make great art by playing, experimenting, collaborating, and letting go of expectations. It takes someone who truly loves art with their entire being to do this.” 

Gladdens Lau – FAAD

Gladdens’ four years at Sheridan in the Honours Bachelor of Interaction Design program taught her that showing up, even if you feel unprepared or the odds are stacked against you, is the key to growth. “Showing up is a decision we make before we ever feel ready. Even standing here today, I don't feel ready, and that's okay,” Gladdens said. “Sometimes we just need a little audacity to move forward. Even if we don't know...we must have the audacity to think that we are ready. Not because we are naive, but because challenges are what will push us to grow.” She knows that having courage, daring to try and continually showing up are the keys to chasing your dreams. 

Discover more about our valedictorians’ academic journeys.
 
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