Several Grade 11 students from the Strait Regional Centre for Education have received the 2024 Lieutenant Governor medal.
According to a release, the honour goes to students who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the school and community; and commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled.
At a ceremony at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Wednesday, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented the medals to 18 SRCE students:
Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/Academy
Allan Chiasson
Bethany Harquail
Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy
Charlotte Collings
Bianca Surette
Dalbrae Academy
Taya MacDonald
Nina Tubman
Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School
Thijmen van den Berg
Grace Bannerman
East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy
Daejah Johnson
Logan Tait
Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy
Jack Horne
Mackenzie Gloade
Inverness Education Centre/Academy
Chrissy MacKinnon
Alexa Beaton
Richmond Education Centre/Academy
Emily Grimes
Blake Tanner
Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (SAERC)
Ella Bartlett
Chloe Phillips
Seated left to right: Lieutenant Governor Education Medal Award Recipients Jack Horne, Mackenzie Gloade, Daejah Johnson, Grace Bannerman, Nina Tubman, Taya MacDonald, Chrissy MacKinnon and Alexa Beaton.
Standing left to right: Lieutenant Governor Education Medal Award Recipients Logan Tait, Bethany Harquail, Chloe Phillips, Charlotte Collings, Bianca Surette, Blake Tanner, Thijmen van den Berg, Emily Grimes, Ella Bartlett and SRCE Regional Executive Director, Paul Landry. Not pictured, Lieutenant Governor Education Medal Award Recipient, Allan Chiasson.
Regional Executive Director for the SRCE, Paul Landry congratulated the honourees saying, “Their many achievements are truly impressive and this Medal is a well-deserved recognition of their significant accomplishments. Their determination in achieving their goals and commitment to serving their communities is inspiring. All of us in the Strait Regional Centre for Education are very proud of them.”
Biographies of the 2023-2024 recipients
Allan Charles Chiasson
Allan is a Grade 11 French Immersion student at Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/Academy. He excels in academics and is extremely active in his school and community. Allan is Student Council Co-President, lighting and sound technician for all school events, member of the Yearbook Committee, and leader on the Senior Boys soccer, volleyball, cross country, hockey, table tennis and badminton teams. In his community, Allan is active with coaching and refereeing with minor hockey, soccer, and volleyball programs. Allan also finds time to volunteer with the local radio bingo fundraising and provides his musical talents on piano regularly entertaining the elderly at the local manor. Congratulations, Allan!
Bethany Rose Harquail
Bethany is a Grade 11 student at Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/Academy who strives for academic excellence and is active in her school and community. Bethany is a representative on Student Council, member of the Yearbook Committee, student ambassador with the Nova Scotia International Student Program and active member of the Drama Club. In her community, Bethany is involved in her church, the Canadian Girls in Training Program and volunteers with fundraising events. Congratulations, Bethany!
Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy
Charlotte Emery Collings
Charlotte is always determined to succeed and her resiliency has enabled her to successfully achieve her goal of academic excellence while balancing school and community involvement. She has immersed herself in the school community participating in several committees including the Student Council every year and most recently serving as Vice President this year. Charlotte is also a valuable member of the volleyball team and the School Advisory Council. These experiences are a testament to her outgoing and personable nature. In the community, Charlotte has recently become a Junior Firefighter with the Milford Haven Volunteer Fire Department where she is taking part in training and attending meetings with long-standing volunteer firefighters. She is known as a strong and adaptable leader whose laser-focused determination, in all she does, is a joy to witness. Congratulations, Charlotte!
Bianca Beverly Surette
Bianca has always been an academically strong student whose interests in education and community involvement made her an ideal candidate for the Lieutenant Governor Education Medal. She has demonstrated her determination to give back to the community by not only volunteering to help when needed but also focusing on her studies to pursue a career in Nursing. As an honour student, a Junior Volunteer Firefighter, a member of the Student Council and working after school, Bianca demonstrates strong commitment to her academic achievements and dedication to her community. Congratulations, Bianca!
Dalbrae Academy
Taya MacDonald
As a community-minded student who is dedicated to academic success, Taya is an ideal recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Education Medal. She is a valued member of the Dalbrae Academy school community and is always willing to lend a hand in any school initiatives or activities. Taya has been involved in school-based activities serving fellow students since she was in junior high. She is a youth leader in a number of fields including the promotion and preservation of Gaelic music and culture. Of particular importance to Taya is working with those younger than her, being a positive role model, and supporting her fellow youth in developing skills and talents. Congratulations, Taya!
Nina Tubman
Nina has successfully balanced academic achievement with school and community involvement and other varied interests to establish herself as a dedicated and dynamic student. Nina is a dedicated member of the Dalbrae Academy Student Council and has participated in a range of fine arts, service and leadership committees, activities and organizations while maintaining outstanding academic performance. As an enthusiastic volunteer, Nina is a role model for young people in the wider community where she has served as a soccer coach, a junior instructor in music and language at the Gaelic College and helped to support community events. Congratulations, Nina!
Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School
Thijmen Leendert Rieks Maria van den Berg
Thijmen is an International Baccalaureate Diploma student and community leader. He is a Nova Scotia International Student Program Ambassador, a member of the Student Council, recipient of the Core French Award, and has spearheaded several initiatives as a Provincial Conference Committee Cabinet Member and Head School Representative for the Strait Region with the Nova Scotia Secondary School Students’ Association (NSSSA). His commitment extends beyond academics as seen in his active participation in community theatre productions and as a member of the high school band. With a heartfelt desire to give back to the community inspired by personal experiences, Thijmen’s aspiration to become a pediatric surgeon promises a future filled with compassion and impact. Congratulations, Thijmen!
Annie Grace Bannerman
Grace is a high achieving academic student enrolled in the French Immersion and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programs at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School. Along with her dedication to academics, Grace is an active leader in her school and community. This includes her involvement in the school’s concert and stage bands, participation as Techsploration Alumnae and in Student Council, community music and theatre and as a peer-to-peer tutor. Grace demonstrates outstanding achievement, commitment and determination in each of her respected disciplines. Congratulations, Grace!
East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy
Daejah Johnson
Daejah is a hardworking, dedicated student who achieves commendable academic standing. She is on the honor roll and has received a school Citizenship Award, which is an award given to a student who demonstrates hard work, dedication to studies and respect to all. Daejah also participates in and assists with school ceremonies. In the community, she is a member of the Junior Chief and Council and a youth leader in her home community of Paq’tnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. Daejah also volunteers for the Youth Honoring Elders Feast and helps run the score clock for various games in the school community. Congratulations, Daejah!
Logan Tait
Logan is a dedicated and ambitious student who consistently excels academically. With a passion for excellence and dedication to his studies, Logan has achieved strong academic achievement and success. In the community, Logan’s leadership and environmental awareness is demonstrated through his initiative to go for walks to clean up his community and organize food drives for the Antigonish Food Bank. He plans to attend Dalhousie University to study law. Logan’s focus and dedication will undoubtedly pave the way for a bright and successful future. Congratulations, Logan!
Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy
Jack Isaac Horne
Jack thrives for excellence in all academic areas. He is very involved in school sport programs including high school basketball and softball along with mentoring and coaching junior athletes. Jack takes time from his very demanding minor hockey schedule to referee and coach younger hockey players within the community. His exemplary ability to balance his academics, extra-curricular and community involvement while working part-time within the community make him an excellent role model for youth. Always pleasant and respectful, Jack’s demeanor is an asset to the entire school community. Congratulations, Jack!
Mackenzie Ann Gloade
Mackenzie is the Student Council President and co-captain of the Senior Girls Volleyball Team at Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy. Always respectful, her ability to take on leadership roles within her school and community is to be commended. Mackenzie can be counted upon to volunteer at the Canso and Area Arena to support the local minor hockey program. Her drive to excel academically and her strong work ethic have also served her well as an entrepreneur in the community. Mackenzie’s positive demeanor with all members of the school community sets a great example for youth. Congratulations, Mackenzie!
Inverness Education Centre/Academy
Christina Mae (Chrissy) MacKinnon
Chrissy has demonstrated admirable academic and athletic achievement and impressive community involvement. She received gold academic pins in Grades 9 and 10 and has demonstrated high achievement throughout Grade 11 this year. She is an engaged and hard-working student who often helps support the learning of others. Chrissy has demonstrated her skills as both an athlete and a leader by serving as Captain of the volleyball team and volunteering time to coach Junior Girls’ Basketball; keeping score and managing canteens at sporting events; and helping train athletes for the local Special Olympics. In addition, she has been a member of Senior Girls’ basketball, volleyball and softball teams, and earned a School Sport Nova Scotia Good Sport Award in 2021. Chrissy has served her school and community by volunteering in a variety of roles including with the Celtic Colours concert and as a facilitator for the Healthy Relationships for Youth program. She has also given her time to many community events including clean-up efforts, a clothing drive for Diabetes Canada and as a Youth Elder for her church. Chrissy’s strong work ethic and interpersonal skills are also demonstrated in her work at Freeman’s PharmaChoice. Her friendly and helpful nature, as well as her dedication to hard work and personal achievement, make her a valuable employee, student, and teammate. Chrissy consistently demonstrates responsibility in her many commitments and a helpful attitude towards those around her. Congratulations, Chrissy!
Alexa Christine Beaton
Alexa has proven herself to be an impressive athlete, a dedicated student, and a community-minded individual. She earned silver and gold academic pins in Grades 9 and 10 respectively, the 2022 Ron O’Flaherty Scholar Athlete Award and has maintained an impressive average throughout Grade 11 this year. Alexa sets high standards for herself and engages with her learning with a sense of curiosity and motivation. Alexa has been a devoted member of the Senior Girls’ Volleyball team as well as a club volleyball team for several years. She has also helped organize the canteen for sports events and helped train athletes for the local Special Olympics. Alexa’s skill, commitment and dedication make her a valuable teammate. She has also served her school and community in many other ways including as a volunteer for the Celtic Colours and Lilith Fair concerts, the school Breakfast Program, fitness breaks for elementary students and town clean-ups. As an active member of the Student Council, she can always be relied upon to attend meetings, share her ideas and help with Council activities. Alexa is a strong and creative voice for her fellow students. In addition to her academic, athletic, and community responsibilities, Alexa works at The Central Shop in Inverness. She brings her enthusiasm, sense of humour, friendly nature, and dedication to everything she does. Congratulations, Alexa!
Richmond Education Centre/Academy
Emily Grimes
Emily is an outstanding student, volunteer and leader in her school and community. She strives for academic excellence while successfully managing the schedule of two cheerleading teams where she has won provincial and national championship titles. Emily is a member of school’s Leadership Committee and spends countless hours volunteering including producing media releases, creating the Leadership Lounge, organizing various activities and planning school-wide events. She believes in the importance of giving back to school and community. Her plans are to pursue a career in the medical field. Congratulations, Emily!
Blake Tanner
Blake is a well-rounded French Immersion student at Richmond Education Centre/ Academy. He is an academically strong student earning high distinction in Grades 9 and 10 and a Math award from the University of Waterloo. Blake is a member of both the Richmond Hurricanes and Strait Pirates hockey teams. As a member of “GuysGroup”, he participates in sessions and conferences working to offer guidance and mentorship to younger male students. He is a hard-working, conscientious student who can maintain a high academic average while being active in sports and community. Blake enjoys playing hockey, golfing, camping and spending time with his friends and family. Congratulations, Blake!
Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (SAERC)
Ella Ann Bartlett
Ella is a dedicated and hard-working student who demonstrates strong academic performance. She plays on several school sports teams including soccer, basketball, and volleyball and she also a member of Operation Share and Care, a school committee which supports local families in need. Ella makes time to support her community by volunteering as a lifeguard with the local pool, assisting with events for church day camps and helping to prepare meals for community dinner functions. Ella has an excellent rapport with people of all ages and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Congratulations, Ella!
Chloe Michelle Phillips
Chloe is a strong French Immersion student who has also found time to serve on the Operation Share and Care Committee, the Healthy Relationships for Youth Program, Techsploration, as well as the SAERC Saints hockey and soccer teams. She is involved in many extra-curricular activities, some of which include being a member of Girl Guides, working the admission table at Strait Pirate games, assisting with Strait Area Sting Baseball, and helping St. Joseph’s Parish with meals for senior citizens. Chloe has also generously given her time to volunteering at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home for many years. Congratulations, Chloe!
