By: Jessica Farquharson
Saltcoats School hosted their Grade 7 and 8 Awards Night and Grade 8 Farewell on Thursday, June 23 at the Saltcoats Town Hall. The evening was a success with many students receiving awards and recognition for their accomplishments throughout the school year.
The mayors of Saltcoats (Gordon Barnhart) and Bredenbury (Jordan Haas) could not attend the event in person but congratulated the students and offered them well-wishes in their future endeavours in their speeches that were read at the ceremony. Trina Nabozniak (School Community Council) and Lois Smandych (GSSD School Board) also offered words of encouragement and congratulations to the students. Each grade 8 student also
Many grade 7 and 8 students received Academic Awards. The grade 7 Honour Role students were Cody Bergen, Emma Bohun, Ashley Coy, Ellis Friesen, Lynn Kaiser, Mykhaela Kostelnyk, and Sarah Stainer. The grade 8 Honour Role students were Brady Kitzul, Isla Munro, Isabella Kostelnyk, Hannah Sears, and Keira Vandale. Awards of Distinction were given to students who maintain regular performance levels at the upper end of grade level, and often produce results above grade level. They are motivated to go above and beyond expectations. The grade 7 recipient was Jens Vincent and the grade 8 recipients were Eddie Baron and Carson Waloschuk.
Mustang Awards were given to students who demonstrate what it means to be a “Mustang.” That is, they are considerate of their academic responsibilities, respectful of teachers, support staff, peers and themselves. They promote their school within their community by participating in various extracurricular and school activities. Grade 7 recipients were Ashley Coy, Kiptyn Devins, Ellis Friesen, Lynn Kaiser, Mykhaela Kostelnyk, Sarah Stainer, Sienna Yamchuk. Grade 8 recipients were Eddie Baron, Betsua Gonzalez, Isabella Kostelnyk, Isla Munro, Adrian Off, Hannah Sears and Carson Waloschuk.
Many students also received Athletic Awards given to individuals who not only participate in as many sports as possible, but also excel in these sports. Other qualities considered were good sportsmanship, cooperation, dedication, as well as an acceptable academic standing. Grade 7 recipients were Emma Bohun, Ashley Coy, Daisy Kennedy, Mykhaela Kostelnyk, Lea Mickle, Jake Morrison, Sarah Stainer, Joshua Vidomski, and Jens Vincent. Grade 8 recipients were Eddie Baron, Carson Kerluke, Brady Kitzul, Isabella Kostelnyk, Gavin Morrison, Isla Munro, Adrian Off, Evan Revet, Hannah Sears, and Carson Waloschuk.
The Most Improved Student Award is given to the student who displays the greatest overall improvement in work habits, work ethic, academic average, social maturity, and attitude. This year’s recipient was Kashus Sully.
The Mustand Resiliency Award is given to a GRade 8 Student who has shown resiliency, determination and growth through his/her educational journey at Saltcoats School. This student has faced daily challenges and shown perseverance in achieving personal and academic outcomes despite experiencing trials and setbacks. This year’s recipient was Betsua Gonzalez.
The Honda Civic Civilian Award is given to a Grade 8 student who demonstrates being a model citizen in the school, is respectful and respected by their peers and school staff, and has shown the ability to step up and help whenever and wherever is needed. This year’s recipient was Andrea Lauer.
The Artisan of the Year is awarded to a grade 7 or 8 student who shows dedication towards art throughout the year, shows a positive attitude and work ethic in our art classes throughout the year, has completed all art assignments throughout the year and has shown an interest in art as a hobby or a career. This year’s recipient was Keira Vandale.
The Ryan Neal Memorial Leadership Award is awarded to a student who demonstrates leadership qualities. This student participates in school activities, encourage others to do their best, are respectful, show commitment and do their best in all activities (academic, athletic and social). This year’s recipient was Eddie Baron.
The theme of this year’s Grade 8 Farewell was “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” In his speech, principal Ron Gillis expressed his pride for the students, their accomplishments, and their growth in the time he has known them. He encouraged the students to be “Mustang Raiders” in their time at the Yorkton Region High School. “Be the first to be kind, include the student who looks left out, volunteer before being asked, ask if you can do more and be proud of your family and community. Seek out challenges and use them as opportunities to show the rest of The Land of Orange, the qualities that we hold dear.”
“Don’t go to the Regional to change, go there to grow and become the ultimate Mustang Raider. Remember that when you succeed that you were helped by an incredible team of your family, community and friends. Look out for each other.”