Students at Sundre High School have just wrapped up the 2024 edition of May Queen, a tradition that goes back 55 years to its inception in 1969.

The event involved students completing hundreds of hours of service in the community between May 8 and 11, raising funds for various initiatives.

Originally a way of raising funds for prom and graduation celebrations, organizers say May Queen has now expanded to include raising funds for field trips, scholarships and other extra curricular activities.

“May Queen is a tradition that students enjoy and our community looks forward to every year,” says Scott Saunders, Principal at Sundre High School. “This event has a way of connecting us
and creating a positive energy that spreads throughout our school and into our community, and back to us again.”

Last year, students participating in May Queen raised $29,000. This year’s tally is still being tabulated.

Organizers say the event is competitive with each grade competing with the others to see which grade brings in the highest total dollar amount.

In the past there was a “Queen” and King for each grade – thus the name May Queen.

Because May Queen has been around for so long, competitiveness now extends through generations of families who have participated over the decades.

“It’s great to get kids out into the community and connected,” said Becky Dziadek, a Sundre High parent and May Queen participant from the 1990s.

“I loved being with friends after school when I was a student,” said Pamela Hengen, a Sundre High parent and former May Queen participant.