USask’s most outstanding graduate wants to share her love of art

Kayla Delainey came to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) with a rule: she would never tell herself something was impossible.

“I always go in with the mindset that I am able to tackle and accomplish everything, and with that mindset I feel like I’m always able to put my best foot forward,” Delainey said.

Along with her Bachelor of Arts three-year degree in studio art from the College of Arts and Science, Delainey is receiving the Fall Convocation Three-year Medal and the President’s Medal at USask’s 2026 Fall Convocation.

The President’s Medal recognizes Delainey’s 91.39 per cent cumulative weighted average as the highest of anyone graduating from a USask undergraduate program this fall.

The new graduate said she was shocked but “very, very grateful” to learn she was receiving the awards.

Since September, Delainey has been a Grade 3 and 4 teacher with Saskatoon Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Education in the spring, then finished up the last few courses needed for her studio art degree.

The second degree was mostly a “passion degree,” Delainey said.

“I’ve grown up really enjoying art and I thought it would complement my education degree as well: something that I could take forward and hopefully (use to) inspire kids to pursue art as well.”

Delainey, who specializes in drawing and printmaking, is already passing on some of the artistic skills she learned at USask to her students.

Her major in the College of Education was math. The combination of math and art surprises some people, but to Delainey it comes naturally.

“I’ve always had a very analytical brain, but there’s also been a part of me that loves the creative side. They’re two very different worlds and lots of people think that they need to be separate, but I think that there’s a lot of things that are connected between them,” she said.

Taking courses for her future professional career alongside courses about her passions was one way Delainey found balance as a USask student. Spending time with friends and family, teaching at a local dance studio, and teaching swimming with USask Rec were also important to her. 

Finding balance is key to avoiding burnout and having a positive university experience, Delainey said. She also advises students to view education as an “amazing opportunity” and not just a stepping stone to other things.

Delainey believes the high value she places on education is part of what helped her get good grades.

“Education gives you a more diverse perspective on life. I think you learn a bunch of different things in university, and you’re also interacting with a bunch of different people. It’s opened my eyes to a lot of new experiences and new perspectives, which I think is really necessary in our world.”

Delainey is considering returning to university later to pursue a Master of Education.