It was a normal weekday when Joe Harris walked into the Reynolds Secondary School and learned that he was this year’s valedictorian.
Over the intercom, the vice-principal delivered the news.
“Throughout the entire school, and in the hallways, I heard screams coming from random places,” said Harris. “That was a pretty cool and really awesome moment.”
Learning the news was not only an honour but also a reflection of his years of hard work at a school where he left an indelible mark.
The young man credits much of his success to his single mother, who has believed in him and encouraged him from day one – and still does.
“She really pushed me throughout high school… into more and more leadership activities, more sports, more opportunities.”
Harris also recognized the undeniable impact that both the Reynolds community and teachers had on his development and carving the individual he is today.
“I like to say that Reynolds has an ugly building, but the people inside are beautiful,” said Harris. “That’s really what's inspired me throughout all these years.
“I've had some absolutely amazing teachers, and they've all shown me a different path through life and opened the world up to me more and more.”
One teacher in particular, Brad Cunningham, and his Indigenous studies class widened Harris’s horizon and pushed him to become a force for good in the community.
“Since then, I've become an advocate for many voices,” said Harris. “I was just at a national competition for public speaking and I also run a club here called the Minority Empowerment Club.
“I strive to make my corner of the world a better place and spread that message.”
Over the years, Harris naturally became the school’s spokesperson. One of his proudest moments at Reynolds, he said, was when the school raised $1 million for Cops for Cancer after 25 years of fundraising.
“To see everyone's faces light up when we reached and got past that goal… I think that was probably the coolest thing I've experienced here at Reynolds,” said Harris.
While the end of high school marks the close of a major chapter for the soon-to-be graduate, a bright path lies ahead.
“I was honoured to receive the Evan Scholarship, (which) enables me to go down to the States for four years with my tuition and housing paid for.”
Planning to attend the University of Washington in Seattle this fall, Harris hopes to return to Victoria following his undergraduate studies to attend UVic’s law school.
Although the future holds uncertainties and unknowns, Harris is ready to face it head-on – always with a smile.
“I’m nervous about all the bills and having to pay the tax,” he said with a laugh. “But honestly, I'm just so excited to meet new people, try new things, make new mistakes and learn from them.”
And for the next generation of Reynolds students, Harris has a few words of advice.
“I would say find your passion and stick to it,” he said. “No matter what people say (and) no matter how you feel during it. Sometimes you'll feel like you're at the bottom of a well you can't get out, but just keep pushing, keep striving and find people you connect with and they will help you achieve your goals because that's what a great community does; that's what Reynolds does.”
