The E. Frank S. Sanders Service Above Self award has been presented to students in each of the city’s four secondary schools by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas since 2002. The award honours the service ethic of the Club’s Charter President, Frank Sanders. Frank’s daughter, Suzanne Ferguson, took part in presenting awards today to four very deserving students, each introduced by an appreciative teacher.
It should be noted that this student Service Above Self award takes as its model an award which Rotary International itself presents to a select group of Rotarians each year to recognize their exemplary service.
At its first international conference in 1910, Rotary adopted the motto, “Service, Not Self,” which in 1950 became “Service Above Self.” Also in 1950, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas was chartered.
Frank Sanders was presented with Rotary International’s “Service Above Self” award at the Rotary District 6330 conference in Port Huron, Michigan on May 6, 1995. The St. Thomas Times-Journal noted that “the award is in recognition of Mr. Sanders’ distinguished service to others and for making service a way of life.” He was one of only 84 Rotarians within Rl’s membership of 1.2 million to receive the award that year.
Another local newspaper, Our Community Press, quoted RI President Bill Huntley’s tribute to Frank: “I believe you are an extraordinary example of what it means to be a friend. Thank you for living the ideals of Rotary.”
From wherever those ideals may come, they are alive and well in these honoured students whose stories you may read in the pages that follow.
ARTHUR VOADEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
HALEY PRESANT
Introduced by Andrea Hansen
Good afternoon. My name is Andrea Hansen, and I am the Head of the Health and Physical Education Department at Arthur Voaden Secondary School. I have had the pleasure of working with Haley Presant over the past two years at Arthur Voaden Secondary School. In two short years, Haley has been highly involved in a variety of activities. Haley has successfully balanced her academic pursuits with her extracurricular and volunteer responsibilities.
Haley is a clear leader in athletics at our school. She has a natural ability to communicate with and to support her peers, including students with mental health issues as well as students from the Developmental program. I have had the opportunity to coach Haley in both basketball and soccer. She is a true competitor who is very coachable and eager to improve her level of ability. She has participated on several teams, including Varsity Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Badminton. This season, there were not enough players to establish a girls’ soccer team. Despite that, Haley successfully played on the boys’ soccer team. Last year, Haley was awarded the top honour of Junior Athlete of the Year in her first year at the school.
A natural progression for Haley was to become a member of our Student Athletic Association, where she helps with scorekeeping, refereeing, and Athletic Banquets. Haley will be a Peer Coach this spring, working with our Developmental Program. She will help these students train for and participate in the Special Olympics track and field and baseball.
Haley has been an Ambassador for our school on several occasions. She has assisted with Grade 9 Orientation, in which we welcome newcomers to our school. Haley helps provide guided tours of Arthur Voaden during Grade 8 Open House. She has also volunteered her time on Professional Development days, to help visitors find their way around the halls.
Haley is consistently an Honours student who exemplifies a strong work ethic, a desire to learn, understand, and to succeed. She has won multiple Undergraduate awards, including ones in French, Drama, and Leadership. I have the pleasure of teaching Haley in my grade 10 Health and Physical Education class, where she continues to be a leader amongst her peers. Haley always works to her full potential, demonstrating competence in a variety of activities. She is a positive role model for her peers, encouraging participation and cooperation from them, working effectively with a diverse group of students.
Outside the walls of Arthur Voaden, Haley continues to be a very busy person. She is a Senior Competitive Dancer with the Step Above studio, devoting about 20 hours a week to dance, including many weekends at competitions. She has achieved her Intermediate exam for Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance. On Tuesdays, she helps assist an Acro class, with dancers from the ages of 8-10. She works with these students on technique and helps them prepare routines. Just to add a little more responsibility to her plate, Haley has a part time job at Wendy’s, working about 10 hours a week.
Haley is a well-rounded, hard-working, and dedicated leader. She is a compassionate individual with a strong connection to her peers, coaches, and teachers. She continues to be an integral part of the Viking spirit at Arthur Voaden Secondary School, and will be for years to come.
CENTRAL ELGIN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
NICOLE PETTIT
Introduced by Shannon Swift
It gives me great pleasure to stand up here and talk to you about Nicole Pettit.
I have been fortunate to either teach or coach Nicole every year of her 4 years at Central Elgin and right from grade 9 I knew Nicole was a special individual and we were lucky to have her here. She goes out of her way to be friendly and inclusive to everyone in class and on the playing court or field. She is always the one to ask the quiet, shy classmate or teammate to be her partner. And as we all know these small, friendly gestures are so important in our world today. She never walks by you in the hallway without saying hello and she does this with her classmates, teammates and younger students she is a mentor to.
Nicole is graduating this year and we will miss her and all she does for Central Elgin to truly make it a better place for everyone.
Let’s start with athletics. First off Nicole has been on the basketball, volleyball and track & field teams all four years at CECI. On top of all the hours of dedication, contribution and leadership to these teams and our school, Nicole is a mentor to the younger players. In her senior years, Nicole has managed to attend her own practices and games and then help the coaches with the junior teams. Unless there was a scheduling conflict with her own team then the coaches could count on Nicole being at every single game and practice as a co-coach and mentor. She is always there offering constructive criticism and kind words of encouragement to these younger players. They definitely look up to her! It would be interesting to add up the number of extra hours Nicole has spent helping coach. And I would like to point out that she manages all of this while maintaining good grades and holding down a job. I’m actually not sure how she does it!!
Central Elgin has a Wellness Council that is made up of students whose purpose is to promote health and wellness among staff and students. Nicole has been an active member since grade 9. In her senior years Nicole has become one of the Wellness Leaders taking on many initiatives that consume many extra hours of her time. Right now she is involved with our Commit to Fit Campaign and Mindfulness Initiative. Nicole single-handedly created and edited a school-wide video that highlights and emphasizes the importance of kindness and caring among all of us.
For her graduating classmates right now, Nicole is the leader and organizer of this year’s prom, which of course takes countless hours of planning and preparation.
We are very proud of Nicole. We are pleased she will be attending the University of her choice next year to study a career in teaching. Central Elgin will miss Nicole’s friendly, smiling face and her countless hours of dedication, commitment and leadership to making CECI a great place to learn and play – we thank you Nicole!
Good luck in all your future endeavours Nicole!
PARKSIDE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
CARLIE THOMPSON
Introduced by Laura Lee
I am so pleased to be able to help present this award to Carlie Thompson. I know Carlie in a few capacities, now as a new teacher at Parkside, working with her as staff advisor to Students Council, and I have also known her since Grade 1 as a student at Wellington Street FIPS. She has been a classmate and a friend of my daughter’s for most of their lives.
Carlie is one of those rare teens who seem to skip ahead several years to adulthood. “Old soul” is one of the terms we use to describe them, possessing a maturity and perspective beyond their years. Carlie is one of the kindest, most caring and most intuitive young women I have had the pleasure to know. She stands out as a leader around school because of her integrity. She consistently, unfailingly models kindness and respect for all students. She always puts people’s feelings and dignity before anything else. There is a constant refrain among students: that high school is the best years of your life and, happily, this is the case for many teens. Yet there are some students for whom high school can be a lonely experience. I know that Carlie is one of those people who recognizes these situations and who will reach out to those students and include them. That is a very special quality. On top of that she is always polite and grateful for the help of teachers and students. She never forgets to say thank you.
Carlie has distinguished herself at school and in the community, in her academics and her actions. Academically speaking, she was on the Grades 9, 10 and 11 Honour Roll and I’m sure will be there this June as well. This in French Immersion, no easy feat. She was awarded for having the highest mark in her Grade 12 Families in Canada Sociology class, which she took in her Grade 11 year. She already has university credits. She completed the AP French class in Grade 10, succeeding in university-level French, and she has taken her AP Psychology credit in Grade 12. I mention this because Carlie accomplished these academic milestones while being a very busy member of her school and wider community.
She is on Students’ Council in this her Grade 12 year as Vice President, External. In this capacity, she has been a reliable correspondent for the Times-Journal reporting weekly about the interesting events at Parkside and helping to maintain links with the community and make evident the positive and inclusive atmosphere for which the “House of Blue” is known. Carlie also possesses the valuable gift of being comfortable addressing a large group of people. She has frequently been called upon, sometimes with little warning, to be an emcee, spokesperson or host of events both within the school and between the school and the community. For example she hosted the United Way Kick-Off event at Parkside, and Carnaval for Trudeau students at Parkside.
She was a member of the Gay Straight Alliance at Parkside, now called PCI Pride, in Grades 9, 10 and 11. In Grade 11, she received the Leadership in Safe Schools Award from the Thames Valley District School Board. Carlie received two 2 Unsung Hero awards for her leadership and acts of kindness at the school. She was invited by school administration to be on the Innovation Committee to contribute ideas for school improvement. And this year she will graduate with a Certificate in French Immersion.
In the wider community, Carlie is a member of the Interact Club of St. Thomas, a Division of Rotary for Youth. She recently graced the cover of the local paper for her part in selling teddy bear tickets and raising funds for the new women’s shelter. My personal favourite is her selling tickets to “Pony Poopin’ Bingo” and helping to raise $4000 for the Children’s Hospital in London. And yes there really was pony poop involved.
In conclusion, I am very honoured to know a young lady of such quality and kindness. She is the embodiment of putting one’s friends and community before herself, and Parkside is a much more wonderful place for her being one of our students.
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
REBECCA CHOUINARD
Introduced by Sandy Manfredi
I am so delighted to be given the opportunity to speak to you briefly about Rebecca Chouinard. I have had the privilege of teaching Rebecca and working with Rebecca on volunteer initiatives throughout her four years at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. Rebecca embodies Rotary International’s motto of Service Above Self. Without even realizing it, Rebecca lives the four-way test of Rotary International.
Is it the Truth? Rebecca is a steady barometer of truth for her peers and her service community. She is the St. Joseph’s student reporter for St. Thomas Times-Journal. She has published over 30 articles for our local paper. “Welcome to our Ramily”, “Diligence is Always in Season”, “Rams Rock Fourth Quarter”, and “Kindness is a Piece of Cake” is a sampling. Her academic standing ranks in the top of her graduating class. Her work ethic and willingness to help others achieve success seems effortless. She has participated in events supporting Violence Against Women Services Elgin County, such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Women’s Breakfast for Everyone, has volunteered numerous hours and partnered with Just Cause Educational outreach in Uganda, coached Shock Basketball, and choreographer for St. Anne’s Council of Women to name a few.
Is it Fair to All Concerned? Rebecca recognized a need within our school community. Students that felt isolated and marginalized. She started a health and wellness group at the high school. She was selected to attend a Jack.org conference in Toronto in her Grade 11 year. Rebecca took the initiative to request a partnership, support, and funding from this national organization – Jack.org. St. Joseph’s is now an official jack.org chapter recognizing the need to make noise and talk about mental health to reduce the stigma and support students. Thank you, Becca.
Goodwill and Better Friendships. Rebecca is humble and kind. She is a nationally ranked track and field athlete. You would never know this because she is busy celebrating the efforts and success of others. Qualities that Rebecca’s teachers and coaches have recognized for numerous years have now also been recognized by DePaul University in Chicago where she will be studying communications and business on a track and field and academic scholarship. Her roots are planted in Elgin County but in the fall it is time for her to grow in Chicago. She will be missed but she has promised to visit often.
Beneficial to All Concerned. Perhaps what impresses me most about Rebecca is her desire to share her passion for service. Rebecca is 17. She has left a footprint on our high school community and her local community far greater than most would ever conceive of contributing. My wish would be that you could spend a couple minutes talking to Rebecca as within those minutes you will realize that she is the community minded leader her generation needs.
I have taught for 26 years and been surrounded by many outstanding young women and young men. I can confirm without hesitation, a student like Rebecca Chouinard is a gift. She is a gift to her family, her peers, her school, and her community. Thank you Rotary International, thank you Rebecca’s mom, Leslie, for accompanying us today, and congratulations to all the high school recipients for this most prestigious Rotary award.
HONOUR SOCIETY….In the absence of President Nancy, President-Elect Trish Shouldice was in the chair and welcomed Maggie Horn, wife of Bill, as well as the students, their teachers and five parents of students: Donna Presant, Christine Thompson, Leslie Chouinard, and John and Patricia Pettit. Welcome all! In conversation after the meeting, we learned that St. Joe’s teacher Sandy Manfredi is a former Rotary Youth Exchange student who travelled to the Philippines, sponsored by the London West Rotary Club….Former club member Fabiana Estrela emails “from the oceans abroad”: “I will be landing back in Canada on July 20th and I'll be delighted to join the club's lunch on July 25th (Monday)! with my boyfriend. ;)”
There is no meeting next week, Victoria Day, but on Monday, May 30 we will welcome to our regular meeting students who have participated in this year’s Adventure in Citizenship program and Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders, all of whom will give reports. June 6’s meeting will be a Club Assembly followed by a Club Board Meeting….A meeting of the Club Foundation Board takes place Tuesday, May 24 at 11 a.m. at the Wayside….International Services Director Pat Martyn would like to clarify information incorrectly reported in last week’s Rotaserver: “The amount of money being sent to Fort McMurray is $400.00 as stated in the Rotaserver, but the amount being sent to Shelter Box Canada is the remaining $750.00 in the International Services budget.”….Trudy Kanellis was winner of the 50/50….There was no Fine Master present today, but somehow the loonie fine got collected anyway.
HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation - Annual Programs Fund - credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwin Lowe, a member of the club.
Trudy Kanellis (4) – For winning the 50/50; for the four students honoured here today; for the good results Nick received on the health front today; for last night’s Interact meeting – a visit to the fire hall next door!
Ron Somerville (2) – First, to recognize the students here today and secondly, to recognize their teachers and all the work they do in the community.
Stew Shouldice (1) – For the students receiving awards today.
Malcolm Rust (1) – It is his wife’s birthday this week.
Pat Martyn (2) – For the students and teachers here today; for the amazing game won by the Raptors basketball team, allowing them to advance to the Conference Final.
Paul Blower (1) – For the four students honoured today – they are amazing.
Bill Horn (2) – For a nice weekend with Maggie’s 99-year-old mother (100 in July); he is astounded to learn of the accomplishments of the students at today’s meeting. Congratulations!
Monday, May 23 – No Meeting (Victoria Day)
Monday, May 30 – Adventure in Citizenship, Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders Round-up
At the Wayside, 12:15 p.m.
ASAA
Greeter
Fine Master
Monday, May 23
No Meeting (Victoria Day)
Monday, May 30
Ron Somerville
Ken Ferguson
Stew Shouldice
Monday, June 6
Stew Shouldice
Trudy Kanellis
Malcolm Rust
Monday, June 13
Ron Somerville
Trish Shouldice
No Fine Master
Monday, June 20
No Meeting(Volunteer Appreciation Night takes place on June 21)
