ANNAPOLIS VALLEY REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD
16 Students Receive Lieutenant Governor's Medal

On Wednesday, June 8, 16 grade 11 students from across the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board received the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership and service to their school and community. 

Presented by His Honour Brigadier-General The Honourable J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD (Ret'd), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the awards ceremony took place at AVRSB Regional Office, hosted by staff and students of Middleton Regional High School. Friends and family of each medal recipient joined Board members and the Board Chair, school principals, AVRSB staff, mayors and wardens to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding students. MRHS principal Mr. Jim Gushue acted as Master of Ceremonies, while the MRHS Brass Ensemble provided music and two MRHS student representatives, Matthew Smith and Caroline Saxon (a Lieutenant Governor's Medal recipient in 2015) brought greetings on behalf of their school.

The Lieutenant Governor's Education medals are awarded annually to two grade 11 students from each high school. Students are nominated by their school based on academic achievement and demonstrated qualities of leadership and citizenship through service to their school and community.

We congratulate our 2016 Lieutenant Governor's Medal recipents on earning this distinguished award, and invite you to learn more about them:

Julia Hall, Annapolis West Education Centre

Julia is an excellent student with a strong commitment to her school and community. In grades 6 to 8 she received dedicated effort recognition and attained honours with distinction in grades 9 and 10. She has been a school band member since grade 7. She is working toward her silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh program. In the community, Julia is involved in yoga, is a member of the Annapolis Royal Space Agency, has participated in the LEC snowshoe challenge, and she also volunteers at local food bank and fire department fundraisers. She has also worked and volunteered at a local horse riding facility for nearly 10 years. In the future, Julia hopes to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian. 

Tayler Milbury, Annapolis West Education Centre

Tayler is a high achieving student who contributes to her school and community. She has earned honours with distinction every year since grade 6. She received the Queen's University Award in grade 8, highest academic standing in grades 9 and 10, and the Green Schools Award in grade 10. She is a member of student council and of the school dance and yearbook committees. In 2015, she attended Legion Leadership Camp. She is working toward her silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh program. Outside of school, Tayler is a member of the Annapolis Royal Space Agency, volunteers at the local YMCA and Bear River Health Clinic, and fundraises for Tim Horton's Day Camp, Bear River Economic Development, and Me to We/Free the Children. 

Ian George, Avon View High School

Ian is an academically outstanding and highly respected student. He earned the highest aggregate score in Grade 10, as well as numerous subject awards, while involved in many other pursuits.  He is a member of stage band and is a WE Act member and volunteer. He recently participated in a "Canada and World Wars" trip to Europe, which reinforced his love of history. Ian is also a member of the International History Bee and Bowl school trivia competition. He has represented his school at the Regional Science Fair, winning a bronze medal and moving on to the Canada Wide Science Fair. Outside of school, Ian is a softball player and recently competed at the national level. He coaches youth softball, and also volunteers at his community school. 

Paige Levangie, Avon View High School

Paige is a talented individual whose academic achievements and many pursuits outside of school are proof of her hard-working, capable and committed nature. Paige has participated on a competitive curling team over the last three years, earning a provincial championship and placing in many other championships. She mentors newcomers to curling, volunteers at her local curling club and coaches youth in the sport. She is also very involved in her community as a volunteer at the Feed Nova Scotia sorting facility and in numerous community food drives. Even with such a busy schedule, Paige always makes her academic work her top priority. 

Mary Baker, Bridgetown Regional High School

First and foremost, Mary is a writer.  Even at this early stage of her life she has experienced success with her play of remembrance performed by the BRHS drama club and presently is waiting to hear if her short-listed short story is a national winner. This year, Mary designed an independent writing course for credit and is presently developing a new one for next year. In addition to writing, Mary maintains a high academic standing, plays in the school band, stage manages for the drama club, is a student council representative, and she has taken part in Encounters with Canada. Also, Mary takes an active role in her church and community. Mary is a deserving candidate for the Lieutenant Governor Award.

Spencer Wade, Bridgetown Regional High School

Well-rounded and grounded describes Spencer to a tee. Not only is he a strong academic student consistently maintaining a high average, he can be found playing one of many musical instruments, working on a roofing crew, cutting up firewood, or  repairing a computer. Spencer is a well-respected and successful student within the Options and Opportunities (O2) program. In addition to academics, he has been instrumental in the success of the O2 catering business and DJ business. Spencer volunteers with his community fire department and is a long-standing member of the local cadet program. Above all, one of Spencer's biggest assets is that he is just a really nice guy and very deserving of the Lieutenant Governor Award.

Cassidy Coombs, Central Kings Rural High School

Cassidy is one of the most genuinely cheerful, positive individuals you could ever hope to meet.  With an upbeat attitude, she works hard to ensure others have a great experience. One example of this is her participation in the school's Team Unified inclusive basketball group, which brings together students with and without special needs through sport. Cassidy is an academically strong student who likes to take on challenges. Through strong self-discipline, she balances her many sports teams and a busy volunteer schedule while maintaining consistent marks of 90 per cent and higher in all courses. In everything she does, Cassidy believes that a smile can impact someone's day, and she ensures that everyone who interacts with her has something to smile about themselves.

Zachary Newcombe, Central Kings Rural High School

Zachary is a dedicated school community member and an exemplary team player, both on the field and off.  As a member of band and school football and rugby teams, Zachary sets a positive example and offers encouragement to others. Zachary received the Coaches' Choice Award this past football season. Zachary is resilient and driven in everything he does. He works at a local farm and truly believes that the reward of seeing a job through and contributing to a team is priceless. Academically, Zachary achieves high standing in all subjects, including several grade 12 courses. Zachary seeks challenges and aspires to become a surgeon.  With his attention to people and detail, he is sure to be a success.

Hannah Ehler, Horton High School

Hannah is an honors with distinction student at Horton High School. She pursues her passions of international aid and theatre as president of the Interact Club and a performer in three school productions and nine community shows. School clubs Me to We, Child Soldier Initiative, Photography, and Horton Creative Productions have been touched by Hannah's involvement. She has taken lead roles in peer-led social justice, sex education and mental health awareness initiatives, is involved with band and drumline for Horton, and competes on the cross country and track and field teams. Hannah often volunteers for the hospital, farmers market, food bank, and Red Cross. She also enjoys being a camp counsellor for a women's shelter and working with Syrian refugees.

Mollie Symons, Horton High School

A compassionate, proactive and enduringly determined young leader, Mollie excels academically while also balancing extensive leadership, music, and sports commitments. As an international student ambassador, a co-chair of her school's WE Act Club, and a contributing member of mental health, child soldier awareness, and cyberbullying committees, she fervently believes in youth engagement for social empowerment. A serious classical violin student, she plays with the prestigious Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra while also thriving in fierce competition with both short track speed skating and cross country running. Mollie is a recognized Beaverbrook Vimy Prize Scholar, a provincial spelling bee champion and a truly indefatigable volunteer, who constantly seeks challenging new "comfort zone defying" experiences. She is passionately planning to pursue international humanitarian medicine and midwifery in her future. 

Ivy Journeay, Middleton Regional High School

Ivy is an articulate and thoughtful young woman with a passion for helping those less fortunate.  She is a keen and responsible student with an impressive academic record, earning Honours in grades 7 through 10.  Her positive and compassionate attitude is appreciated by both students and staff.  Ivy represented her school in national debate competitions traveling to Montreal in 2012 and Vancouver in 2013. An active participant in her community, Ivy is a leader in several youth groups including Sparks, youth groups for Middleton Baptist Church and Melvern Square Fellowship Baptist Church, and the Middleton Recreation Department's March Break day camp.  MRHS would like to thank Ivy for being such a positive influence on our school and community.

Harper Metler, Middleton Regional High School

Harper is an outstanding student whose natural curiosity reflects a genuine love of learning and the pursuit of knowledge. He is described by staff as responsible, dedicated, intelligent and hardworking. He contributes to the Middleton Regional High School community in a variety of ways he is a member of the senior concert and jazz bands, a student councillor, a member of the badminton team, and a member of the Math League.  Harper is also an accomplished debater representing his school in national competitions in Calgary and Saskatoon.  Outside of school, Harper contributes positively to his community through volunteer work at the Heart of the Valley Long Term Care facility.  Congratulations Harper on this outstanding achievement.

Madeline Laurence, Northeast Kings Education Centre

Madeline is a caring and compassionate individual who has positive outlook on life. Madeline has achieved Honours with Distinction throughout her high school career, and she has been involved with many sports teams at NKEC, including Senior Girls Soccer and Cross Country.  She is a member of the Youth in Action, Citizenship and Yearbook Committees, and the Student Ambassador Program. In the community, Madeline volunteers with the CIBC Run for the Cure and is head coach of the Under-6 Kings West Soccer team and Valley United for a variety of ages.  She also teaches ballet to pre-primary children with Cadance Academy. Madeline is an exceptional young woman and lights others up with her kindness, humour and positivity. 

Nathan McNally, Northeast Kings Education Centre

Nathan is a well-rounded individual with a strong work ethic, sense of social responsibility, and motivation to help others. Nathan holds leadership roles with NKEC's Student Ambassadors and Christian Fellowship groups, and he is a member of the school Vocal Ensemble, Jazz and Concert bands. He participates in the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. He has also started his own community choir. Nathan helps others through the school Peer Tutor Club, and by teaching French horn lessons. He took part in the Legion Leadership Camp, and is currently earning gold in the Duke of Edinburgh program. He maintains high academic standing and has excelled in mathematics competitions internationally. Nathan is a talented, intelligent and accomplished young man with great potential.

William Cross, West Kings District High School

William has achieved academic honours with distinction for the past two years and has earned numerous awards. He also contributes to both his school and community. He is involved in the school drumline and badminton team, and tutors students in math. He has been a valued member of the track and field team, Face aux Questions, Concours d'Art Oratoire and the Duke of Edinburgh program. Outside of school, William has participated in Cubs, Scouts and Venturers, giving 100 hours of volunteer service to these groups. William is a thoughtful and respectful individual with a quiet and effective leadership style. After graduation, he plans to attend university to study medicine with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon or to study physiotherapy. 

Broc McKenzie, West Kings District High School

Broc has achieved academic honours for the past two years and has received numerous school awards for academics and leadership. He participates in the Options and Opportunities Program, track and field, Me to We, and the computer coding club. He has also fundraised for the IWK, Salvation Army and the Adopt-a-Family at Christmas program. In his community, Broc has been involved in tutoring, public speaking, babysitting, managing a canteen, and various sports. He also finds time to work in the construction industry. Broc has been described as a quiet but strong leader who is determined and possesses great integrity. After graduation Broc plans to attend university to study civil engineering or to attend NSCC to study Power Engineering.