Christine DaCosta has been chosen this year's top student from Mount Saint Agnes Academy.

Christine, 18, has had this goal in mind for some time.

She explained that at her sister's graduation someone had given a speech and from that point on she said: "I made up mind to do as best as possible to achieve that goal.'' Christine has maintained an A average for the past four years which has led her to being chosen as Mount Saint Agnes' Valedictorian.

She said: "I am constantly studying, and setting goals takes a lot. I really enjoy doing school work.'' However, she does admit "at times it was hard''.

Having an active school life is important, but Christine also enjoys sporting activities. She plays volleyball, soccer and basketball.

She is also a member of Mount Saint Agnes Student Council.

"The more you interact, the more you understand people,'' she said. "You also get that satisfaction in self.'' As for leaving Mount Saint Agnes, Christine admitted that she is both nervous and excited.

"It's been like a second home,'' she said.

The teachers and the close bond are the things she said she believed she will miss the most.

"Everyone has been very supportive,'' Christine stressed.

Christine said she also had the support of her mother -- who she greatly admires..

"She's been through a lot, yet still has strength to go on,'' she said proudly.

Christine said she also admired the late Mother Teresa.

Christine urged students to set goals each week, whether they have an A average or a D average.

"Work to the best of your ability,'' she said. "Being involved helps you be a well rounded person and most important develop time management skills.'' "Setting goals only betters oneself,'' she added.

This fall Christine will be attending McMasters University in Canada where she will be pursuing a Bachelors in Arts.

She is planning on a career in counselling.

"There are many things I can do with my life,'' she noted. "I want to work with people''.

"I want to help people be all they can be,'' she added.

If she has learned anything at this journey's end it has been "to become an A student means you'll never give up''.

"Too many people give up because they think they're not good enough, so they let opportunities pass them by,'' Christine said. "People don't realise that they have gifts.'' Christine DaCosta