Service above Self Awards 16May18 (May 24, 2018)

It is indeed a privilege to present Arthur Voaden’s Secondary School’s recipient for the Service Above Self Award, Jacob Wilcox.

Jacob is a leader in our school and community and possesses the skills and qualities which make him an ideal candidate for the honour.

Jacob is a solid student both inside the classroom and in extracurricular activities. His teachers know that he will consistently participate and model behaviour for his peers to emulate.

Outside of academics, for the last 4 years Jacob has accumulated over 900 volunteer hours, at the West Elgin Dramatics Society. He has acted, assistant directed, stage managed, assisted the stage manager, worked on scenic art, set design and lighting design.

He has been a member of the Executive Board for three seasons, as an Executive Producer and a Creative Consultant.

“Here Lies Jeremy Troy”, “Steel Magnolias”, “Peter Pan” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass” are just a few of the shows Jacob has left his mark on.

At Arthur Voaden, Jacob has participated in our “Voaden Voice” student group.

He spearheaded, redesigned and now runs the Tea Room, which offers a safe, alternative space for students during lunch.

plays a big role in the arts at Arthur Voaden; he helps to keep our “Academy”, a conference room and art gallery, running and organized throughout the year.

Jacob was also responsible for curating and hanging the AVSS art work at the St Thomas Gallery for the Great Beginnings art show this year.

He is a kind, quiet leader with a great sense of humour. He has a strong sense of self and because of this, he inspires others and has been asked to participate in numerous leadership opportunities at the Board Office.

Jacob has an excitement and energy which is contagious. He is steadily, with class, intelligence and his own unique flair, helping to make Arthur Voaden Secondary School a great place to be.

It has been an absolute pleasure for me as an educator to get to know Jacob and see him thrive and do so well. We, at Arthur Voaden, think all of his accomplishments and qualities truly embody the concept of "Service Above Self", and hence, why Jacob Wilcox is Arthur Voaden’s recipient of the Service Above Self Award.

Beth Gould receives with teacher Tonya Rumas

Good afternoon. I’m Tonya Rumas and I am here to introduce you to Beth Gould.

There are so many wonderful qualities that Beth possesses; one that stands out among her classmates and teachers is her caring and compassionate way. Beth has a kind heart. She makes everyone she meets feel welcomed and at home.

Beth is also respectful and patient. These qualities are seen in her volunteer position of band mentor. Beginning in grade 10, Beth has dedicated many early morning hours to mentoring junior band members.

She loves to give back to her community. Beth volunteers for Youth Unlimited, her youth group at the Aylmer Evangelical Missionary Church; helping with summer camps, the Girls Only Club, the Food Bank program, and participating in a mission trip. To date, Beth has accumulated over 200 hours of volunteer service.

Beth is also an active member of our school community; she has been a member of the Junior and Senior Wind ensemble, where she has received the Repertoire award. She has demonstrated leadership in leading the Christian Fellowship club, and as a colour house leader. She is not afraid of challenges and new situations; this past year she joined the field hockey team, where she demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and a positive mindset.

Academically, Beth sets impressive goals, and works hard to achieve them. She is not afraid to ask questions in order to ensure she continues to improve. With being actively involved in volunteering, mentoring, as well as part-time employment as a babysitter and waitress for Youth for Christ Catering, she has effectively managed her time to maintain honours (a 90% average) throughout high school.

Beth, you are so kind and unselfish; a sweet young woman. You will do great things. Beth, thank you so much for being you. I am so proud to present you with the ‘Service Above Self’ award; it is very fitting that you receive this honour. Congratulations Beth!

Ashlyn Hersey recieves along with teacher Monica Jarabek

Ashlyn Hersey

It is my pleasure to recommend Ashlyn Hersey for an award that recognizes selflessness, kindness and service to the community. I’ve known Ashlyn since her early teens and have enjoyed seeing her pursue French Immersion studies while excelling in sports and academics. What has always struck me about Ashlyn is her ability to seek out ways to contribute, be helpful and generally make everywhere she goes a better place.

I’ve seen Ashlyn play beautiful music on her saxophone, compete in volleyball and badminton, work on school/charity fundraisers such as the United Way, Parkside’s 50th Anniversary, Semi-formal dances and holiday food drives with grace and grit. She coaches kids volleyball in the evenings, volunteers with Animal Aide and has extensive experience with horses.

The quality that impresses me the most about Ashlyn is her sincere kindness with her peers. She notices when others are struggling and gently takes them under her wing. One day, I observed her change seats to be with a peer who was “at risk”. With a kind smile Ashlyn asked her to work with her on a major project. This small act led the other student to start attending regularly and become an A+ student herself.

I am so proud to have taught Ashlyn and to see her recognized for her service. I am confident she will continue to make the world a better place. Her humility, infectious kindness and positive attitude are an inspiration for us all.

Monica Jarabek

Brayden Walcarius receives along with teacher Sandy Manfredi

E. Frank Sanders, Service Above Self Award – Spring 2018

Brayden Walcarius embodies Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self”. Through his daily life, school commitment, academic success, and athletic ability, Brayden demonstrates selfless service and sacrifice to his family, peers and community.

Brayden is an exceptional student. He is engaged in classroom discussions, he is respectful of his peers, and he works to maximize his full potential. Brayden works very hard and has achieved a Grade 12 University course average of 98. He has accepted his offer from the University of Waterloo in the double degree math / business program. With such tremendous accomplishment, he is not boastful or conceited. He remains humble and kind. He shares knowledge with his peers, often engaging in mentorship or tutoring. He enjoys lively discussion which pushes those around him to think critically and work harder. He reviews with his peers and can be seen helping his peers understand concepts and problems. He is well-liked by his peers and his relationships cross many peer groups.

I have seen Brayden’s kindness and service firsthand. Though he isn’t changing the entire world, he is the changing the world around him by making life for those present a whole lot better. While teaching Brayden, I was witness to his commitment in the St. Joseph’s Invitational Track and Field Meet. Brayden took a leadership role with our School to Community Pathways Program students who required assistance in competing in events given their individual abilities and strengths. Brayden worked with several of the student athletes, helped the athletes prepare and practice, and cheered them on during the competition. He also assisted with setup and cleanup.

One of Brayden’s biggest commitments that I (Mr. DelDonne) has witnessed was Brayden’s work in organizing and implementing a uniform donation drive. Along with a classmate, Brayden organized, promoted, and implemented a uniform drive that focused on collecting as many uniform items from non-returning St. Joseph’s students. Prior to each exam date, Brayden collected articles of clothing from his peers. Upon completion of exams, Brayden washed and folded over 500 items of clothing. Prior to the start of the new school year, Brayden sold the used items at a discounted rate. Over $3000 was generated and used for students at St. Joseph’s who are at risk or in need of financial support. It was awesome to witness.

Brayden is an exceptional athlete. Throughout his life, he has competed in baseball and hockey. While he enjoys playing the sports, he officiates these sports in games involving young learners. He takes great pride in helping young kids learn the game. At St. Joseph’s, Brayden serves as time-keeper for St. Joseph’s hockey games, and as manager for St. Joseph’s baseball team. The coaches of these teams rely on Brayden’s commitment, organization, and service.

Brayden is such an excellent recipient for this award, and an outstanding representative of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. He is a great son and brother, a helpful friend, an intelligent worker, and a gift to the St. Joseph’s community and the communities of St. Thomas, Aylmer, and Elgin County. He repeatedly shows the virtues of humility and service, and is a wonderful recipient of the Rotary Service Above Self Award.

Thank you Rotary International for recognizing and celebrating the service of youth in our community. I am always so honoured to attend this luncheon.

Thank you to Brayden’s dad, Darren, his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Walcarius, and Brayden’s aunt, Rhonda for accompanying us today in recognition of your son, grandson, nephew as he prepares for the next chapter of his journey, you should all be so proud.

Lastly, thank you to all the high school students for your service to our community. Congratulations to Ashlyn, Beth and Jacob for earning the distinction of this most prestigious Rotary award.

The Rotary Club of St Thomas

The Rotary Club of
St Thomas