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Feature_article__june_14

Feature Article June 12

Feature Article June 12,2003

LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home

NAEC Grad Wins Archiever AwardBy WIll CybulskiCloyne student Sarah Boomhour, who is a member of North Addington Education Centres last Grade 13 graduating class under the new curriculum, garnered a prestigious Limestone District School Board Student Achiever Award at a ceremony held on May 28. The honour acknowledges exceptional accomplishment beyond the separate categories found at school level, and recipients must have demonstrated exemplary achievement in the arts, athletics, leadership and academic standing.

A Board news release reads Sarah Boomhours dedication to enriching her life and the lives of the people with whom she has contact is evident immediately -- to speak to Sarah is to become inspired by her naturally vivacious personality and genuine love of life. Sarahs contributions to life at North Addington and her home community are extraordinary; her compassion and concern for others have driven her interests and allowed her to enrich the lives of many.

Sarah is quoted as having once said to one of her teachers, There are a lot of students who just dont seem to care; it makes me so sad. I wish there was something I could do. These are not just words to Sarah; she believes in making a difference. Although her extracurricular schedule was already at its limit, she volunteered to work daily with a junior student who was having problems at school and at home. Not only did Sarah help her younger charge pass math, she has become her strongest supporter and advocate.

feature_article__june_14Sarahs dedication to making a difference is shown in her various roles at NAEC and in the community. As Student Council President, it is her goal to make everyone feel included, happy, and worthwhile, and students know that when they speak to Sarah, it makes a difference.

Sarahs position as captain and starting setter on her volleyball team (which not only qualified for OFSAA, but finished in the top eight) was instrumental in the teams success, and for the past three years, she has served as the 30-Hour Fast event catalyst at her school. Sarah also attended a ten-day H.O.B.Y. leadership conference in Washington, D.C. in 2000; organized the planting of over 600 trees on school property following storm devastation; and works as a National Heritage Educator at Bon Echo Provincial Park during the summer.

Sarah will be attending Queens University this fall, majoring in Phys Ed, and she told me she definitely wants to return one day to NAEC as part of its teaching staff. In fact, Id really like to teach eco-tourism, Sarah said, then allowed that is, if Mr. Richards (the current program teacher) has finished his career there.

Sarah stated that she was very honoured to have received the award, indicating that it was a surprise to her. My principal approached me about it, and three days later, we were there. It was a nice feeling to be acknowledged for working hard, and I am proud to represent NAEC, she commented. Sarah feels that the staff and student body in her school are closely connected, and she related the joy of having her family and principal at the presentation.

Sarahs parents are Coleman and Carol Boomhour, and a very happy and proud Carol added it was great; it was a wonderful ceremony. Principal Ed Yanch explained that her (Sarahs) grandfather Ezra Ball was Principal at NAEC from 1965 to 1971, so its like she is following in her grandfathers footsteps.

Let no one doubt, Sarah will one day be back to make that difference.

With the participation of the Government of Canada