There are three life lessons that Carter Hildebrand, the valedictorian for the Mennonite Collegiate Institute's class of 2018, says he has learned during his time at school.

"One is treat others as you'd like to be treated; another is find a loving community and love them back; another is know that God is always with you and protecting you," he said.

He attributes these lessons to his peers, staff, and the overall community at MCI.

Similar to past years, this class of 20 students has grown closer over the year leading up to this monumental day, Hildebrand said.

"We have a lot of fun whether it's in the classroom, or playing sports, or singing together," adding that most of the students dabble in a mixture of hobbies and talents.

"It's really a big loving family to be cliche about it," he said.

Among the several memories made this year, he said winning the volleyball zone banner in fall, putting on the drama production of Footloose, and planning grad are the highlights.

Looking ahead, Hildebrand plans to study kinesiology at the University of Winnipeg in fall. A quarter of the class will enter the workforce and the rest will attend post-secondary school, according to Toby Wiens, a teacher and guidance counsellor at MCI.

A graduation ceremony will take place at the Winkler Bergthaler Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.