WIKWEMIKONG—The achievements of students at Wikwemikong High School were celebrated by the community at the 17th Annual Christmas Gala Dinner and Awards Night on Friday, December 4.
“When I thought about what I was going to say tonight I thought about our vision statement,” said Principal Mick Staruck in his opening remarks. “The Wikwemikong High School staff and students stand together to promote an environment that fosters a balanced educational journey towards future success within and beyond our community. We are so fortunate to have such rich community resources.”
Principal Staruck went on to speak the school motto in the language, translating “embrace life, soar with the eagles.”
Guest speaker Bryanna Ominika, who is studying business at Canadore College, advised students at the gala that college “is nothing like high school.” But although students would find that they were “now on their own (with the support of family and friends of course)” she exhorted them to not let that hold them back and to take the plunge. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it,” she said. “These are the best days of your life, enjoy them.”
As for her own studies at college, Ms. Ominika said that she was finding them “easy, thanks to (teacher Mark) Gibeault for preparing me.” That preparation, along with her own diligence and hard work, has proven to be very effective, as her marks are averaging in the 90 percentile.
But not too much, she laughed, adding that it is not the end of the world if you pass on a night out with friends to make sure you are prepared for your classes and have your assignments completed on time. “Things have to get done,” she said.
The students were honoured with a song by the Young Biisineh Drum Group and Elder Barbara Peltier delivered grace before the assembly sat down to a delicious dinner catered by Patsy’s Catering.
Receiving awards following the meal were: Kira Dowdall (intermediate) and Shaelynn Recollet (senior), Canada and the World for the highest achievement in history or law courses; Bryanna Ominika, Business Award sponsored by Enaadmaagehjik to the student with the highest achievement in business studies; Raoul Mandamin, presented to a student with the highest achievement in a hospitality or tourism course and sponsored by Enaadmaagehjik; Jacob Peltier-Henry, trades award sponsored by Enaadmaagehjik for the student with the highest achievement in a trades course; Kira Dowdall, media award sponsored by Enaadmaagehjik for the student with the highest achievement in a trades related course; Zack Cywink, environment and resource management award sponsored by Wikwemikong Technical Services for the student with the highest achievement in the environment and resource management course; Aurora Ominika-Enosse (junior) and Zack Cywink (senior), Wikwemikong Heritage Organization Award for the student who demonstrates excellent skill and technique in all art forms; Carlos Wemigwans, First Nations Studies Award sponsored by the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization for the student with the highest achievement in a First Nations studies course; Elliot Simon (intermediate) and Jessica Trudeau (senior), Anishinaabemowin Award sponsored by the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization for a student who demonstrated achievement and fluency in a Native language course; Harmony Rivers and Garrett Peltier, Grade 9 Native Language Award sponsored by Peggy and Bernie Brant presented to a student with the highest achievement in a Grade 9 language course; Delani Trudeau (Grade 9), Noah Jacko (Grade 10) and Annie Wemigwans (senior), BMO Science Awards sponsored by the Little Current Bank of Montreal for the student with the highest achievement in a science course; Annie Wemigwans, the Mara University Science Award sponsored by Chris Mara and Margit Alberti to the student with the highest achievement in a university level science course; Derek Pitawanakwat (math) and Annie Wemigwans (science), the Lafarge University Math and Science Awards sponsored by Lafarge; Aurora Ominika-Enosse (Grade 9), Annie Wemigwans (Grade 10), Kira Dowdall (Grade 11) and Derek Pitawanakwat (Grade 12), mathematics scholar awards sponsored by the Wikwemikong Health Centre for the students with the highest achievement in each grade level in mathematics; Max Mishibinijima, Life Skills Class Award, sponsored by Community Living Wikwemikong, presented to the student in the life skills class with the best participation throughout the year; Mary Agnes Shawana, Cooperative Education Award, sponsored by Andrew Manitowabi Group, presented to the student with the highest achievement in the co-operative in the Cooperative Education Program; Alex Desmoulin, Mackenzie Nodin Peltier Award for the student who demonstrates resilience and perseverance was presented by Jillian, Morgan and Brady Peltier.
Ms. Peltier explained that the Mackenzie Nodin Peltier Award was created in memoriam of her son Mackenzie, a little boy who remained bright and cheerful throughout his battle with ulcerative colitis. “You would never know he was sick,” she said.
Velma Pheasant received the Wabnode Award, sponsored by the Wabnode Centre for Aboriginal Services presented to a parent who has supported the staff and students in various ways throughout the school year. The award was accepted on Ms. Pheasant’s behalf by her daughter Bridget, as her mother was characteristically providing care for a relative. MC Trudeau noted that he recalled Ms. Pheasant was nicknamed “Moma” by the students she chaperoned on a school trip, adding that her excitement and enthusiasm was infectious.
Patrina Pitawanakwat (junior), Annie Wemigwans (intermediate) and Moirah Shawana (senior) were presented with the Wikwemikong Board of Education English Scholar Awards for the highest achievement in English courses at each level; Sean Shawanda (Grade 9 boys), Seneca Manitowabi (Grade 10 girls) and Wyatt Bell-Metansinine (Grade 10 boys and senior) were presented with Mnamaadzawin Physical Education Awards, sponsored by Mnamaadzawin Active Livign Studio for the students with the highest achievement in healthy active living courses for each level; Andrea Trudeau, the Manitoulin Family Resources Award was presented by MFR Executive Director Marnie Hall-Brown for the graduate who is pursuing a career in a helping field; Julie Assiniwe, the Manitowaning Guardian Pharmacy Award for a student enrolled in a health related post-secondary program; Adrian Trudeau, the O’Leary Dance Award for the student who has demonstrated leadership and perseverance in the Outside Looking In Dance Program; Alex Desmoulin, The Manitoulin Expositor Award for a student in the workplace pathway with the highest achievement in a workplace English course; Brooke Trudeau (Grade 9), Annie Wemigwans (Grade 10), Raoul Mandamin (Grade 11) and Max Mishibinijima (Grade 12), Parent’s Council Attendance Awards for the student in each grade with the best attendance throughout the year; and Ferris Eshkawkogan (Grade 8), Patrina Pitawanakwat (Grade 9), Annie Wemigwans (Grade 10), Eugenia Eshkawkogan (Grade 11) and Derek Pitawanakwat (Grade 12) were presented to students with the overall grade average in each grade.
In closing remarks Mark Gibeault congratulated the students and the community for the hard work and support that has led to these achievements and called for recognition of the outstanding work of the organizing committee.
