Academic best honoured at North Star High School
The academic best from North Star High School were recognized last week.
North Star’s “Night of Excellence” was presented last Wednesday night where those who made the honour roll, earned subject awards and made the Principal’s Roll of Excellence were honoured.
A total of 246 students from last year’s Grade 9, 10 and 11 classes were recognized as part of the ceremony, held in North Star High School’s main gymnasium.
“Tonight is one of my favourite nights of the year,” said guidance department head Stephanie Mongeau.
Mongeau said it was a night to celebrate the students’ accomplishments in the classroom. She noted accomplishments in the arts, music or sports are sometimes more showcased than that of academic achievement, but nights like the awards banquet are opportunities to pay tribute to the hard work students do day-to-day in the classroom.
Awards earned by each student are due to their hard work and dedication, stated principal Melissa DeBruyne.
DeBruyne said success is not just about academic achievement, but also what is learned through the journey. Overcoming challenges is something every student will have to do in their lives, she noted.
“Another crucial lesson is the value of integrity,” she said.
Kindness, empathy and compassion are other lessons that are being learned as the students go through North Star High School, DeBruyne pointed out. She said the students have shown they can be successful but show kindness towards others as well.
“Together, we are creating an environment where excellence and character go hand-in-hand,” said DeBruyne.
Vice principal Jason Lynn said the hard work, integrity and determination shown at North Star will carry the students beyond their high school years. He said they will overcome their obstacles and challenges in life with perseverance and find success.
Lynn thanked the secretarial staff at the high school for their efforts in ensuring the awards ceremony was able to be presented. He also thanked staff for working with the students both in the classroom and solving their problems outside of it in order that the students can achieve their goals.
The families were also honoured for their contributions in helping the students pursue their dreams.
As part of the ceremony, seven “Leaders of the Pack” awards were presented to students who achieved the highest average or distinction in their grade or program. In the diploma pathway, Aarush Malbari won for Grade 9 while the Grade 10 award went to Lydia Mereszak. Jad Ali captured the Grade 11 award.
In the MAPS and STEPS pathways, Elidon Kalezic won the Grade 9 MAPS award, while Shaylin Distefano won the Grade 10 MAPS award. Grade 11 awards went to Colin Forte (MAPS) and Seth Wallace (STEPS).
By Ron Giofu
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