TRURO – Six local Grade 11 students are among 28 recipients in the school region of the Lieutenant Governor’s Education Medal. The medals were presented Monday, in recognition of academic performance, leadership and service to their school and community.
Spencer Daniel MacDonald of North Nova Education Centre was one of the recipients. MacDonald was noted as a gifted academic student who balances his academics with an active commitment to sports and volunteerism. He is also proud of his membership in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and shows interest in school politics as an active member of Student Council. MacDonald is also a runner and competes in varsity sports such as lacrosse, track and field, cross country/marathon. MacDonald also volunteers for Special Olympics, Relay for Life and Kindred Volunteers in Guatemala.
Farrah Soliman of North Nova Education also received a medal Monday. Soliman was acknowledged as an outstanding academic student who promotes respect and equality in her school and community with humility and grace. She is an active member of her school’s Interact Club and Welcoming International Newcomers Team. Soliman is involved in the school band for which she plays bass clarinet and is also a pianist. Soliman also volunteers through her church and community.
From Northumberland Regional High School, Areta Catherine Okoyok Boone was recognized for her academic accomplishments, which include IB Certificate courses. Boone also is a member of the school concert band, jazz band, wind ensemble, musical productions, the Nova Scotia Youth Choir, church band and performs in the music festival. She is an athlete, having participated in equestrian, soccer, track and field, rugby, basketball and curling. She has also been a 4-H member since 2004, a Junior Leader, Salt Springs Hostess, Pictou County Hostess, Chair of the Events Committee and participated in Public Speaking in two languages. She is involved in student activities including Student Council and Co-head of the dance committee.
Also recognized from Northumberland was Dylan Robert DeYoung, who was noted as an accomplished academic through the IB program. He is comfortable with speaking French and has been awarded several honours at the regional science fair. He attended the Me-to-We leadership workshop in 2012 and Model UN. He has participated in the Marathon of Respect and Equality as well as the Terry Fox Run. DeYoung also plays guitar and is learning the banjo. He is also a cyclist, is on the school Ski Race Team and is in training for the Cross Country Team.
Pictou Academy also had two students honoured at the ceremony Monday including Cassie Melinda Langille. Langille is consistently among the highest academic achievers in her class and uses her musical talents to volunteer at seniors homes, local coffee houses and at the Tim Hortons Day Camps. She participates in Pictou Academy’s talent shows and the school musical each spring. Langille also gives voice and guitar lessons and performs with the Keltic Kittens, a local fiddle ensemble. She is a volunteer with the Leadership Group for the “Strong Song” program for middle school students.
Also recognized from Pictou Academy was Isaac Pericles Young, who is a top student who enjoys everything related to science and mathematics. He will be taking part in the Shad Valley experience this summer at Carleton University in Ottawa. Young helps with the set design and painting for the musical productions at Pictou Academy and was described as a quiet leader who shares his concern for others through the Big Brothers Big Sisters middle school program.
Presented by Brigadier-General, J. J. Grant, C.M.M., C.D. (Retired) Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the ceremony was hosted at Hants North Rural High in Kennetcook. The Lieutenant Governor's Education Medals are awarded annually to one male student and one female student in Grade 11 from every high school. Students are nominated by their school based on academic performance and qualities of leadership and service demonstrated in their school and community.
