School Board Trustees Celebrate Student Achievers

Thursday night, Trustees of the Limestone District School Board presented The Limestone Student Achievers Awards to ten deserving students. Trustees, senior staff, family and friends gathered to recognize the significant contributions and achievements of this year’s recipients.

The Limestone Student Achievers Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of those students whose exceptional accomplishments merit recognition beyond the separate categories of awards at the school level and who have demonstrated exemplary achievement in each of the following categories: the arts; athletics; leadership and academic standing. Significant in-school contributions and achievements should be accompanied by out-of-school activities.

Each of the following students has been selected to receive a Limestone Student Achievers Award:

Perryn Bennett, a student at LaSalle Secondary School, can be found in the morning prior to classes starting at the school, in the Technology wing having breakfast with Mr. Chambers and Mr. Claege discussing engineering and design problems.  Always eager to learn, he takes any opportunity to hone his skills and gain more knowledge.  Perryn truly is one of a kind.

Perryn is not only an excellent student, but he also excels in the arts, athletics and is active in many extra-curricular activities as well.  His academic average is always in the 90s, and he has won subject awards in physical and health education, mathematics and science.  In Grade 10, Perryn won the bronze medal for achieving the third highest average.  He is proficient in all subject areas.  However, he has discovered that his true passion is in the area of technology.

Perryn is currently the team leader for the Wind Turbine/Tunnel Project funded through the Limestone Learning Foundation.  He was a guest speaker at the Kingston Technology Council luncheon in April, where he spoke about the project.  Perryn also participates in the local and provincial skills competitions for manufacturing and design.  He is the first student at LaSalle Secondary School to complete the Manufacturing Engineering course.

His technology teachers have come to rely on Perryn’s ability to creatively solve problems and look at issues with technological open mindedness.  They describe him as forward thinking and able to participate in conversations with adults in a mature and intelligent manner.  Since math is another area of strength for Perryn, he has recently competed in the math and problem solving competitions.

As an athlete, Perryn excels in soccer and he has also played on the rugby team at LaSalle.  He is a member of the Kingston United Soccer team and last year he helped coach a youth soccer team for Kingston United.  Artistically, Perryn is a natural musician.  While he does not have time to be in the school band, last year he decided to use his study period to play saxophone with the adult band at LaSalle.  Currently, Perryn is teaching himself guitar.  He is also active in th community by volunteering for the Pathways for Education organization.

As a citizen, Perryn always does the right thing and he has a keen sense of right and wrong.  He values the opinions of others regardless of their grade level or academic background.  He believes that all voices need to be heard when solving a problem.  Perryn is a wonderful citizen at LaSalle and a valued Black Knight.  At LaSalle, Black Knights STAND for what is right.  They are STRONG, TRUSTWORTHY, ALTURISTIC, NOBLE AND DETERMINED.  Perryn certainly embodies all those attributes.

Tyler Carr-Braint is a Grade 12 Sydenham High School student who is very deserving of the Limestone District School Board Student Achievers Award.  He is known by staff and by students as a positive, polite, and respectful student leader who is incredibly active in the Sydenham High School community.

Tyler is a highly academic student.  Throughout his four years at Sydenham High School, Tyler has consistently received grades in the mid 90s to high 90s, in a variety of subject areas, including maths and sciences, computer science and music.  Teachers describe Tyler as hardworking, exceedingly polite and cooperative.  He is know by his teachers to work diligently on his academics, to support his peers when needed, and to take a leadership role in the classroom.

Tyler is also highly involved in extra-curricular activities in the school.  He has been a member of the Concert Band throughout his four years at Sydenham, and he was instrumental in increasing the program’s exposure by developing and maintaining a website for the Concert Band.  Tyler created the website in his spare time, with no formal training in website design – an incredible feat.  The Sydenham High School Music Website provides staff, students and parents with a place to go for information about the program, and to learn more about upcoming events.  The website is an excellent resource for the Concert Band, and its existence is in large part due to Tyler’s self-taught expertise.

Tyler has a keen talent for computer programming, and has participated in Programming Competitions for the past two years.  He was part of the First Place team this year at the Limestone District School Board competition, and recently competed at the Regional Championships, where his team placed 7th overall.

Tyler is a successful athlete.  He has been a member of the Sydenham High School Badminton team, and he is also a member of the Senior Boys’ Rugby Team. His ability to communicate effectively, and to work corroboratively with his peers make him a great leader on the field, and his coaches describe him as a joy to have on the team, and a great teammate to others.

Sydenham High School has a long tradition of hosting a Fashion Show each year, and Tyler has been part of those while at Sydenham.  He has modelled in the show, and he has been part of the production, which brings many students and staff from Sydenham together for a wonderful event.

Tyler is described by his teachers as a quiet leader, a great problem solver, extremely conscientious and respectful.  He has been chosen to attend Leadership Camp at Sydenham because of the traits he brings to the classroom, rugby field, and the school hallways.  Tyler is a talented young man; he is positive and proactive, and he is one of the wonderful students who makes Sydenham High School a great place to be.  Tyler is an incredible student who is very deserving of this prestigious award.  He is well respected by his peers, his teachers, and his coaches.  Tyler is a well-rounded student whose quiet strength, unwavering positive attitude and willingness to participate make him a worthy recipient of this award.

You may have never heard a citation like this before, but perhaps you have never met a student like Tashaun Costa.  Standing 6 feet, 4 inches, he is QECVI’s gentle giant.  A diligent and focused student who will settle for nothing but the best, a top athlete who pushes himself to perform well, because, as he says, “I hate to lose”, and a community-minded, giving soul who wants nothing more than to make his neighbourhood a better place and to make his momma proud.

Tashaun attended nine different schools before calling QECVI his home.  After so many family moves, and tired of always being the new kid, Tashaun was eager to prove himself and worked hard to make his mark.

Academically, Tashaun is at the top of his class, and has been since arriving in Grade 9.  Not only that, but Tashaun does not seem to specialize in any one subject – Art, English, French, Science, Math – he succeeds at them all!  On the honour roll every year, and a multiple subject award winner, Tashaun is known to be a meticulous student who rises to academic challenges, big or small.  Not one to shy away from hard work, Tashaun often spends his lunch hours hitting the books or perfecting his artwork.

On top of his academic success, Tashaun is a stellar athlete.  As a three-season player, he pushes himself to be his best, whether it’s on the court or on the field.  He has played basketball for the Raiders for the past three years, leading his team to the semi-finals in Grade 10.  Outside of school, Tashaun has played OBA ball for the past two years.  On top of basketball, Tashaun also plays senior boys’ volleyball, and he is an avid rugby player, playing both in the fall and spring with QECVI, and summer league with the Kingston Panthers Rugby Football Club.

As a leader, Tashaun is an active participant in every school event, from Leadership Camp to LINK Crew to volunteering for the Food Drive.  Not one to be the guy in the spotlight, Tashaun works quietly in the background to make sure events run smoothly.  If something needs doing, ask Tashaun!  He’ll get it done.  This is particularly true in his own community, where Tashaun plays an active role in ensuring his neighbourhood is safe and clean for his siblings and neighbours.  He regularly helps to clean up around his neighbourhood.  On top of all this, Tashaun has enormous responsibilities at home, caring for his six siblings, making dinner every night, and generally making sure the house runs smoothly while his mom is at work.  How many teenagers can add that to their resume?!

The staff and students at QECVI are honoured to recognize Tashuan Costa as a Limestone Student Achiever.  There’s no doubt, Tashaun – you’ve made your momma proud!

Larischa De Wet, a student at Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute, is a truly deserving recipient of a Limestone Student Achievers Award.  Her accomplishments are outstanding in the areas of academic scholarship, school leadership, co-curricular activities and community involvement.

Larischa is in her final year of high school in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and she has been awarded KCVI’s highest academic standing in calculus and vectors, Spanish, chemistry, and advanced functions.  She consistently achieves an average well over 90 per cent.  Larischa is a bright, articulate young woman who contributes to the positive learning environment in KCVI.

Larischa’s desire to make a positive impact in KCVI is clearly shown by her commitment to getting involved in various facets of the school.  She volunteered as an executive member of the Blues Crew to ensure a positive transition for students moving from grade 8 to grade 9.  She holds the position of secretary on the school’s Athletic Association and is working as a planning committee member for KCVI’s Relay for Life campaign.

Larischa has demonstrated her commitment to encouraging and building a positive school culture through her involvement with the school’s yearly Leadership Camp.  Her involvement as captain of the field hockey team demonstrated her skill, leadership, and determination as a player.  Given that there might not be a field hockey team, Larischa started to actively promote the sport of field hockey with junior girls in physical education classes, she she also offered to teach the basic skills of field hockey at local elementary schools.  The outcome was an increase in interest and participation.  Larischa was awarded the most valuable player award for the 2010 field hockey season.  An avid badminton and tennis player, Larischa won the 2010 Junior Tennis Championship and represented KCVI at EOSSAA for badminton and OFSAA for tennis – incredible athletic accomplishments.

Larischa also finds time to volunteer, whether it be in the community in a nursing home or as a big sister.   She is also an accomplished pianist.

Larischa believes that “leadership is about encouraging others to believe in themselves and finding the confidence to pursue their dreams.”  She understands commitment, determination and consistently displays a positive attitude, enthusiasm and self-confidence.

Rosie Gatenby, a student at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute, is truly a deserving recipient of a Limestone Student Achievers Award, demonstrating exemplary achievement in the Arts, athletics, leadership and academics.

Rosie has shown her profound dedication and commitment to the Arts as a performer in the Concert Band, Jazz Band and Choir, and she has won the honour awards for both Jazz Band and Choir.  Last year, she played the role of Ethel McCormick in LCVI’s musical Footloose.  As the Arts Council Co-Chair, she has planned, organized, and worked hard to make the school’s Evenings of the Art resounding successes every time.  She is poised, mature, and able to liaise effectively with staff advisors and Ecclesia (student council).  Her love of music and the performing arts, coupled with an interest in the music industry, have developed into her ambitious goal of earning a business degree and running her own record company.

In athletics, Rosie enjoys playing badminton and field hockey, as well as being a member of the LCVI swim team. She placed first in the Junior Medley Relay at EOSSA last year, and this year she earned her National Life-guarding Society Certification.

Rosie expresses her leadership skills through her willingness to help others and be thoroughly involved.  She helped to fundraise over $500 for World Vision, and she is presently helping to organize a blood donor clinic at the school.  As well, she assumed the huge responsibility of being the designated lead for administering First Aid during the elementary school boys and girls’ volleyball and basketball tournaments that LCVI hosts.

Academically, Rosie has been on the honour roll every semester of each of her high school years, and she has maintained all six of her grade 12 courses, notably at the university level with an A+ average.

Besides of all of these activities, Rosie is currently completing the four areas of service, skill, exploration and fitness for a Bronze level Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has committed herself to Girl Guiding and has been awarded the Canada Cord, the highest award a Pathfinder can earn.  Currently, Rosie is a Junior Brownie leader and continues her commitment to her personal growth by guiding as a Ranger.

The Limestone District School Board is pleased to recognize Joanna Hearn, a student at Frontenac Secondary School, with a Limestone Student Achiever Award.  Joanna is an outstanding student who has many qualities that make her deserving of this prestigious award.

Academically, Joanna has been on the honour roll each year and is well on her way again this year, with over a 96% average in first semester.  She is a highly motivated and enthusiastic learner, who has proven herself to be an excellent role model for her peers.  Joanna has received subject awards for highest marks in Grade 9 Drama and Vocal Music, Grade 10 Academic History, Grade 11 University English, and Grade 12 Musical Theatre.

Joanna is a competent and valued leader in a number of roles at school.  She especially has a love of the Arts and her involvement and contributions have been outstanding.  Joanna has been a participant at the Ontario Education Leadership Centre (OELC) for Fine Arts.  She belongs to the Frontenac Secondary School Choir, Improv and Glee Clubs.  She has also performed solo at school assemblies.  Joanna has participated in school musical and theatre productions each year of high school, having lead roles in Grades 10 and 11.  In Grade 12, Joanna’s knowledge of music, theatre and strong organizations abilities have lead to her taking on the role of Stage Manager for this year’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Joanna has been involved in sports and clubs throughout her time at school.  She has been a member of the Junior Girls’ Basketball Team, the Track and Field Team, the Interact, Character Education and OSAID clubs.  Joanna has attended Leadership Camp, and subsequently has been chosen to be a Leadership Camp Skillbuilder.  She has been a Mentor and Mentor Leader for incoming Grade 9 students.

Complementing all of her activities at high school, Joanna is equally involved in the community at large.  She has assisted with Theatre 5 productions, helped out at James R. Henderson Public School with Drama Club, a recess club for students with autism, and she has assisted with coaching volleyball and basketball.  Joanna is a Guide Leader and Sunday School Speaker.  She has been cooking and serving for a non-profit catering program from 2006 to the present.  She has been a camp counsellor and leader in training.  In other words, Joanna is a very busy young woman.  She is an articulate, mature young woman who has shown commitment and dedication to her school and community.

Aside from Joanna’s attributes as an exceptional academic, a leader and giving individual, she is also a very grounded young woman.  She is deeply respect by peers and teachers alike.

Meagan Lloyd, a student at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in athletics, arts, leadership and academics at LC.  She is a dynamic young woman who defines what it means to be involved in one’s school and community.  Meagan has been a key player on both the school’s junior and senior soccer teams, where her infectious, positive attitude and tenacity have been an example and inspiration to her teammates.  Last summer, Meagan parlayed her soccer skills into coaching as she took on a U8 boys’ soccer team for the Kingston United Soccer League.

Meagan is also heavily involved in LCVI’s arts extra-curricular program. She has become a vital member of the school’s technical support team, spending literally hundreds of hours setting up and running the lighting and sound for numerous school productions, assemblies and events like the annual LCVI Road Race.  An especially notable example of Meagan’s leadership in these areas is when she served as Sound Technician for two musical productions: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Footloose.  These productions are enormous undertakings.  Meagan handled these daunting tasks seamlessly as she was able to find a balance between supporting and training her peers, as well as solving crisis after crisis with a calm demeanor.  The school events simply would not run well without Meagan’s enthusiasm, shared expertise, dedication and leadership.

Meagan’s innate leadership skills and strong initiative have also been shown in her participation in LCVI’s leadership camps, as well as a positive role model as a member of the school’s L.I.N.K. Crew.  She works hard as a motivator, leader and teacher who guides the junior students to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school, as well as helps to facilitate their successes.  Meagan helped LCVI fundraise for the United Way, and she looked after the “tech” for the MS Walk.

Meagan works hard at her courses and is maintaining an A average in her Grade 12 College Preparation courses. She has been awarded $600 in scholarship funds from the Cloverleaf Junior Bowling League for her pursuit of the Early Childhood Education Program at St. Lawrence College this September.

Blair Morgan is an Ernestown Secondary School student who is very deserving of the Limestone Student Achievers Award.  Blair is known by staff and students as a positive, polite and respectful student leader who is very active in both the Ernestown community and his home community of Yarker.

As a student, Blair does incredibly well, and has a strong academic standing.  He is consistently described by his teachers as dedicated, determined, and very hard working.  Blair has received the Ernestown Secondary School’s Principal’s Award, an achievement which reflects a final grade of 90% or higher, in each of his years in high school.  What makes Blair unique in the cross-section of courses in which he excels.  He is at the top of his class in a wide variety of academic subject areas, which include English, Math, Science, and Music.

Blair is always looking for ways to improve as a student, and is interested in learning new things.  One accomplishment is his work as a Literacy tutor.  During this role, Blair built a positive, caring, and trusting relationship with a Grade 9 students.  He is patient and encouraging, and is always proactive and responsible.  It is evident that Blair values the school’s SOAR motto (Self-discipline, Optimism, Action, and Respect), and he is a leader within the school community.

Blair is an active participant in Athletics at Ernestown Secondary School and in the community.  His ability to combine training in multiple sports while maintaining superior grades is a testament to his organizational abilities and his drive.  Blair qualified for the provincial high school cross country running championships in 2008 and 2010, as a result of countless hours of training he dedicates to the sport.  During his first three years of high school, Blair was a member of the junior and senior volleyball team, while also training for cross country.  Blair is a wonderful example of how dedication, determination, and perseverance culminate in success.

Blair’s leadership both within and outside of his school community is notable, particularly given the time and effort he has dedicated to his studies and athletics.  Blair has been an example and a tutor to his classmates throughout his high school career.  He is often seen helping, coaching, and cheering on his fellow athletes, as well as offering training advice.  This season when some of his teammates needed running shoes so that they could compete in events, Blair arrived with five pairs of shoes so that each person received what they needed to be successful.  Blair also continues to make the Ernestown Secondary School community proud through his role as a trained lifeguard in the community.

Blair Morgan is an incredible student who is very deserving of this prestigious award. One of his strengths is that he works well with others, and creates a positive environment where success is possible for those who surround him.  Blair is well respected by his peers, his teachers, and adults in the community.  He is a well-rounded student who believes in the values of SOAR, both at the school and in his community.  His quiet strength, his determination, and his leadership make him a worthy recipient of the Limestone Student Achievers Award.

Leadership, school involvement, academic achievement and compassion for others are the reasons that Paul Tallon, a student at Sharbot Lake High School, is being recognized with a Limestone Student Achievers Award.

Paul is an active member of many extra-curricular programs at Sharbot Lake High School.  He has been a member of the boys’ volleyball, soccer and track and field teams.  He has been an integral part of school government, serving in many leadership roles, including Vice-President of Student Council in Grade 11, and President in Grade 12.  He has been a vital part of the school’s leadership camp, and his genuine love of the school really shines through in his contributions to the House Colour activities.  He has been a Colour House captain for the past three years and does a great job ensuring the Grade 7, 8 and 9 students feel a part of the house and participate in the events.  As well, Paul is The Panther, as he dons the school’s mascot costume to encourage school spirit at many school events.  In fact, Paul has been recognized for his outstanding leadership skills as the recipient of awards.  Paul’s outgoing personality is clearly evident in the halls of Sharbot Lake High School.  His commitment and dedication to make the school a better place is demonstrated in all that he does.  His outgoing, friendly personality and his spirited leadership have a profound effect on the school culture of Sharbot Lake High School.

Paul has been a vital part of Sharbot Lake High School since he entered in Grade 9, and he continues to be an exemplary student.  He is a strong academic student, consistently setting high standards for himself and maintaining honour roll status for his years at the school.   Although his interests are in math, science and computers, Paul is conscientious and highly motivated to excel in all subjects.  In fact, Paul overcame reading challenges in elementary school to become the strong, confident secondary school student that we see today.

Paul is a community-minded young man, who is always willing to give back to his community and beyond.  His involvement in organizing the 30 Hour Famine for the past four years is one example of his sense of community.

Paul’s infectious laugh and his easy going demeanor make him very approachable with all staff and students.  His philosophy of school inclusiveness is evident in all of his activities and the basis for his strong support and success as Student Council President.  His sense of community is apparent when he goes out of his way to include some of the more vulnerable members of the school’s community in social conversation and school events.

Paul Tallon is a valued student at Sharbot Lake High School and one of the reasons for the school’s strong sense of Panther Pride.  As Paul hopes to pursue his education in the Engineering Program at Waterloo, we know that he will continue to shape and improve the lives of others, thereby, making the world a much better place.

Sydney Webster, also known as Syd, a student at Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute, is an exceptional young man who has demonstrated evidence of leadership to truly make a positive impact in the lives of others.  He exhibits exemplary achievement in the categories of academics, leadership, athletics, and community involvement.

Syd has demonstrated consistently strong academic achievement during his entire French Immersion program at KCVI by achieving honour roll status and several subject awards, in addition to the RMC Book Award for outstanding leadership.  Bilingual in English and French, Syd’s current average is over 90 percent.

Syd is a positive role model, and leader on a daily basis in his classes and numerous activities.  In his role as Head Boy for the school’s Student Association, Syd has gained the respect of his peers and contributed to a very successful year of student government.  In his classes, Syd demonstrates a positive, mature attitude and contributes to a rich learning environment.  Syd was chosen as a leader for two years for the annual leadership camp, and he has made an incredible impact on all of the junior students who attend the camp.  Syd has a large sphere of influence and makes a positive difference each day through his interactions with students, staff, and community members.

In addition, Syd has consistently demonstrated his leadership skills through his involvement in many co-curricular activities and athletic teams, such as cross country, track and field, hockey, and soccer.  He uses athletics as a vehicle to encourage younger students to get involved in positive ways in the school community.

Syd’s enthusiastic attitude and his desire to give back to his community is evident in his volunteer work as a coach for an atom minor hockey team, timekeeper at Special Olympics basketball, food collector for the Hotel Dieu food drive, timer and runner for the Ol’ Henry Masters Swim Club and an assistant at Fort Henry Hockey Goalie Clinic.

Syd is an articulate, mature, and responsible young man whose intelligence, athletic abilities, and leadership skills are an inspiration to others.  He understands that commitment and determination are important to consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, enthusiasm and self-confidence in all area of his life.

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Release source: Limestone District School Board

Tags: award, Limestone District School Board, school

Category: Releases