In photos: Celebrating Sheridan’s Class of 2024 Fall valedictorians

On October 8 and 9, the Sheridan community celebrated more than 4,000 business, arts, community studies, applied health, humanities, and science and technology graduates during six fall convocation ceremonies. Each ceremony featured a valedictory address by a student from that Faculty, who shared words of wisdom and inspiration with their classmates. 

Six valedictorians were chosen to represent their Faculty at their convocation ceremony. We welcome these valedictorians and their classmates to our ever-growing alumni community.

Mitchell Peberdy graduated from the General Arts and Science – University Profile program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Mitchell initially had doubts about whether a postsecondary education was the right path for him but Sheridan helped him discover a passion for linguistics. “Your future is not written in stone,” he said during his convocation speech. “What’s true for you today may not be true for you tomorrow, in six months, or six years from now. The events in your life have shaped you into who you are, but they do not dictate who you have to become. Take risks, make those difficult decisions, and never be afraid of change.” Mitchell will be continuing his path of educational and personal discovery as he pursues a degree in linguistics at the University of Toronto. 

Grace Rebeca Verghese graduated with a Business Analysis and Process Management post-graduate certificate from the Pilon School of Business. Grace donned many hats during her time at Sheridan – working in residence, experiencing a co-op term and serving on the executive team of the Sheridan Student Union. These on-campus experiences taught her the value of empathy, connection and the power of community. “The friends we’ve made, the professors who pushed us, and the support from people we didn’t even know we needed – they’ve all played a part in getting us here today,” Grace said. “Together, we’ve written a collective story of resilience, laughter, and creativity, and it’s a story that will carry us forward. Let us take with us the lessons we’ve learned and embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity, knowing that the future is ours to shape.” 

Jason-Tyler Edwards graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing Management) degree from the Pilon School of Business. His Sheridan journey has been transformative, filled with opportunities for growth, learning and lifelong memories, along with challenges and obstacles to triumph over. “As we faced these obstacles, we were never alone,” Jason said. “We owe our deepest gratitude to our family and friends. Their unwavering love, encouragement and support have been vital to our success.” He shared some encouragement from his mother, words that have been guiding him since kindergarten: “Hold your head up, hold your shoulders up and show them who you are!” Jason’s time at Sheridan and his passion for growth have shaped him into a confident, driven person, ready to take on the challenges of his future as a proud Sheridan Bruin. 

Mohit Motka graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Technician – Design diploma from the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, where he developed a strong understanding of design principles and technical skills. He approached problems skillfully and worked to think outside the box to find solutions, while also helping classmates troubleshoot the problems they faced. “We’ve shown resilience,” Mohit said. “We learned that it’s okay to stumble; what matters is how we rise. Each challenge we faced became a stepping stone, teaching us valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of community.” Mohit has a keen interest in machine learning and AI and is fascinated by how these technologies can enhance design and create new possibilities. “Let’s remember that the skills we’ve developed here like critical thinking, collaboration and creativity will serve us well as we navigate the next chapter of our lives.” 

Pranesh Lakshmanasamy graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Information Sciences (Cyber Security) degree from the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology where his outstanding academic performance reflected his dedication to learning. He contributed to the Sheridan community by volunteering as a student representative at open houses, ceremonies and events on behalf of the cyber security program, as well as serving as a student leader on the Sheridan Student Union’s Board of Directors. He’s proud of coming to Canada to study and pursue his dreams. “A heartfelt thank you to my family members and my parents who are listening to this from halfway around the world,” Pranesh said in his convocation speech. “There are no words to describe how thankful I am to you for gifting me with the opportunity to follow my dream.” His leadership, academic excellence and service embody the values of a Sheridan student. 

Brigida Campusano graduated with an Educational Support – Intensive diploma from the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies. She was instrumental in building community in her classes through her consistent participation and enthusiastic engagement. She was committed to social justice through both her academic and personal interactions, where she consistently advocated for equity and fairness. “Sheridan has been a place of growth for all of us,” she said in her speech. “We’ve learned not just from textbooks, but from each other – through collaboration, debate and even the occasional coffee-fueled conversation in the hallways. Together, we’ve built friendships and networks that will extend far beyond today.” Brigida’s dedication, empathy and curiosity, along with her accomplishments, made her an ideal valedictorian candidate.  

  Photography courtesy of Marianne Sy-Lucero (Digital Communications Officer)