May 07, 2015


Every year the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board presents students in their board with a special award. On April 29, Ariel Lee, a grade five student at St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake, was presented with the Beacon of Hope award, which honors students in the school community who make a difference by demonstrating volunteerism, enriching the lives of their fellow classmates and teachers, and who generously share their gifts and talents with the entire school community.

Director of Education at the ALDCSB, Jody DiRocco, spoke at the special presentation and stressed the importance of honoring and recognizing the “unsung heroes in our schools, who quietly go about their business while acting as positive role models to other students”.

Also present at the event were board communications officer Mike Weaver, board trustee Sean Kelly, and Wendy Procter, board trustee for North, Central and South Frontenac. Vice-principal Anna Coe introduced the award with a special story, as is the tradition, and she spoke of Ariel as someone whose “contributions to the school community reflect our Catholic virtues and who contributes to the betterment of the community with dedication, integrity and a gentle spirit.”

Coe further described Ariel as a student, new to the school last year, who "has come out her shell, who participates with respect and eagerness and contributes to school athletics while also encouraging her team mates. She is also a school bus helper and a member of the school’s Eco team.” Ariel was elected by staff and her peers at the school and was described as a “peace maker”. Coe added that Ariel has a “understated leadership quality that has endeared her to the St. James Major School community.”

Ariel's mother Angela and grandparents Lorraine and Sonny Embury attended the special presentation and expressed their pride in Ariel. Following the presentation the students enjoyed a hot pizza lunch and cake and congratulated their fellow student Ariel on her award.

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