Guige from GREC, Putnam from SHS, Weichenthal from NAEC all win student achiever awards

Jeff Green (with information supplied by the LDSB) | May 26, 2021

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) of Trustees honoured 11 secondary students who are graduating year with 2021 Limestone Student Achievers Awards at its regular meeting May 19.

Among the 11 are 3 from schools in Frontenac County and Addington Highlands.

Diana Weichenthal, a student at North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne, was recognized for consistently demonstrating “superior skills, attitude, and work ethic” according to an LDSB release. She has received multiple academic proficiency awards in her school, has maintained a high overall grade average, and has been the recipient of the PEARL award for participation, enthusiasm, attitude, responsibility, and leadership at NAEC. During COVID, Diana has helped to promote school activities aimed at creating a sense of normalcy in her school.

Grace Guigue, a student at Granite Ridge Education Centre, has been an honour roll student for four years, and currently has a staggering 98% average. She has been active in several sports, and serves on student council, the prom and spirit committees. During COVID she initiated a holiday card/ messages campaign for a local senior’s residence.

Annika Putnam, a student at Sydenham High School, has received excellence and honour roll certificates and has maintained grades over 95%. As the rural student trustee for 2 years, and chair of the InterSchool Council, she participated as a student interviewer for the “Who Do You Know” 2020 graduation project. She is a leader for the Catalyst Leo Lions Club, and volunteers in her community

“The Limestone Student Achievers Award recognize outstanding achievements of secondary students whose exceptional accomplishments merit recognition beyond the separate categories of awards at the school level. Recipients should have demonstrated exemplary achievement in all three categories: leadership; positive attitude, energy, and school spirit; and academic standing,” said a release from LDSB accompanying the awards.

LDSB Board Chair Suzanne Ruttan said the achievements of these exemplary students make our schools better.

"These students inspire their fellow students, staff and community members alike. This award recognizes their exemplary contributions to strategic priorities of wellness, collaboration, and innovation in supporting others during the school year."

Each student will receive a medal, a framed award certificate and a lapel pin. Their names will be recorded on a plaque and displayed in the Barry C. O’Connor Board Room at the Education Centre.

Director of Education Krishna Burra said the Limestone Student Achievers presentation is a highlight of Board Meeting calendar for both Trustees and staff.

"These students are truly bright lights in an otherwise very challenging year. Their contributions to our strategic priorities of wellness, collaboration, and innovation in supporting others during the school year is exemplary," he said. "Regardless of where these students are headed after graduation, it is clear they will continue to make a positive and significant impact, and forever be wonderful ambassadors of the Limestone District School Board."