Limestone Student Achiever award winners

Jeff Green (based on information provided by the Limestone District School Board) | May 23, 2018

At the May board meeting of the Limestone District School Board student achiever awards were handed out, and there were winners representing each of the three secondary schools in our region; Cassandra Parks from NAEC in Cloyne, Cameron Jackson from GREC in Sharbot Lake and Samantha Kempe from Sydenham High School.

The award for Cassandra Parks we made in recognition of her “academic successes, her athletic prowess and her far-reaching leadership” in the words of the testimonial prepared by the staff at North Addington Education Centre. A member of many sports teams, volleyball being her strongest, as volunteer for school events, a hockey player, and the top overall ranking in her grade every year since grade 9 are some of the accomplishments that led to her selection for the award. In summing their submission up, NAEC staff called Cassandra “a leader of sound character and integrity and provides a wonderful example to others.”

Cam Jackson also plays on all of the sports teams at GREC and this year he has transitioned into an assistant coaching role for the junior girl’s volleyball team. In academics, he is the math and science whiz at the school. He has been at the top of his class in those subjects since grade 9. His abilities in math and science are pared with patience, which is useful in his role as peer tutor.

“In the community, Cam has deservedly earned the reputation of an upstanding, hard working, ethical young man by being involved with numerous organizations, from the local church, to athletic organizations, to community fundraising events” is how GREC staff summed up his contributions to the school and the community.

Samantha Kempe has been involved in volleyball and track at SHS, and is a solid student. Her award recognises her many contributions to school life, as the co-President of the Student Council this year she has been instrumental in organising many events, including a cancer fundraiser (Inside Ride), Spirit Week, Grade 8 and 9 Days, and the school’s holiday charity event.

In the community she has been involved as Relay for Life team leader, a camp director and a member if the Red Cross anti-bullying group. She also helps with Canada Day at the Point in Sydenham.

Although she is generally friendly and easy going, it would be best not to get on he bad side. This year she is a Shotokan Karate practitioner, earning her black belt last year.