Sam Evans is a Class Act

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sam Evans is the recipient of the 2026 Strathmore Times Class Act award at Strathmore High School.

He was among several students who were invited to a June 4 ceremony to be recognized for their academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements.

“I was very excited. I had applied for it, and I know a lot of other people did as well, so I am very grateful that I got chosen. It feels good to be rewarded for all the hard work that I have done throughout by high school career,” said Evans. 

In addition to maintaining a high-grade average, Evans is known to be working two jobs, contributed his voice to the morning announcements, was active with the senior jazz and concert bands, and has performed with ensembles at Mount Royal University, as well as with the Alberta Wind Ensemble. 

He attributes a neatly arranged schedule to be a significant factor in being able to participate in and maintain so many regular activities.

“I have time in the morning before school to focus on my academic stuff, and I can fully prioritize my evenings for work and along with the weekends as well,” he said. “I thrive off of the challenge. I just can’t sit still, and I feel if I really push myself, that it can be inspirational to others as well to do the same.”

Post graduation, Evans said he is set to attend an eight-week barbering academy course in November to achieve his apprenticeship, with ambitions to eventually become a journeyman. 

He credits the opportunities made available to him through the course of junior and senior high with his discovered passion for aesthetics. 

“The outcome is worth it in the end, and you learn to deal with the stress and the challenges. Once you deal with those for the first time, everything comes easier in the future,” said Evans. “It is such a rewarding feeling, and I don’t think anyone should be afraid to pursue and take on those challenges.”

So far, he joked that despite not being able to fit much practice into his schedule outside of class, he has been allowed to cut his friends’ hair, as well as his grandmother’s. 

Intent to play the long game, Evans added a significant portion of his motivation stems from the idea of seeing his hard work pay off later. 

His family and friends as his support system push him through the stress and encourage him to give his all.