On Thursday, June 24, Saltcoats School hosted their Grade 7 and 8 Awards Night and Grade 8 Farewell at the Town Hall. Each student was able to invite two people to attend and all public health guidelines were followed.
There was a strong sense of gratitude present in staff, students and guests during the ceremony as throughout this year, activities that would normally be occurring have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Everyone was happy to be back to doing something resembling normality and to be in each other’s company again, enjoying the wonderful Saltcoats School community.
Although they could not attend the ceremony in person, Gordon Barnhart and Jordan Haas, respective Mayors of Saltcoats and Bredenbury, offered the students congratulations, well-wishes and advice in their speeches which were read by Mr. Brendon Weir. Other speakers included Tina Nabozniak (School Community Council) and Lois Smandych (GSSD School Board). Each grade 8 student also had a speaking role in the ceremony.
In his speech, principal, Mr. Ron Gillis, congratulated the students on their high achievements this year under such difficult circumstances. The students met and exceeded the expectations of the school and school division thanks to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff. Mr. Gillis is proud of the staff, students and families of Saltcoats School for their resiliency in the face of adversity throughout the year.
This year was the last for longtime member of Saltcoats School Staff, Merle Wiley, as she will be entering retirement in the fall. Mrs. Wiley has worked at the school for over 20 years as an Educational Assistant and Library Technician. Miss Kalin Dolton will also be leaving the school as she continues her teaching career elsewhere. Over the past couple of years she has worked as both the Kindergarten teacher and Grade 2 teacher as well as teaching middle-year art.
Many of the grade 7 and 8 students received academic awards and Mustang Awards for positive school citizenship. In Grade 7 the Honor Roll students were Brady Kitzul, Isabella Kostelnyk and Hannah Sears, and the Award of Excellence went to Eddie Baron and Carson Waloschuk. Grade 7 Mustang Award winners were Eddie Baron, Betsua Gonzalez, Carson Kerluke, Brady Kitzul, Isabella Kostelnyk, Andrea Lauer, Gavin Morrison, Isla Munro, Adrian Off, Evan Revet, Hannah Sears, Keira Vandale and Carson Waloschuk. In Grade 8 the Honor Roll students were Nikki Devins, Wyatt Evans, Cora Kaiser, Clara Moreira, Izak Munro, Gabe Nabozniak-Wog, Shaunté Shannacappo and Cole Stainer. The Award of Excellence winners were Kyla Farquharson, Jenna Laycock, Alex Morrison and Sara Switzer. Mustang Award winners in Grade 8 included Nikki Devins, Cora Kaiser, Jenna Laycock, Clara Moreira, Alex Morrison, Izak Munro and Sara Switzer.
The Ryan Neal Memorial Leadership Award is awarded to two students who demonstrate leadership qualities. These students participate 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 recipients were Sara Switzer and Alex Morrison.
The Most Improved Grade 8 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 Shaunté Shannacappo.
The Mustang Resiliency Award is awarded to a Grade 8 Student who has shown resilience, 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 Evan Ward.
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 art classes throughout the year, has completed all art assignments throughout the year and has shown an interest in art as a hobby or career. This year’s recipient was Shaunté Shannacappo.
This year’s graduating grade 8 class includes: Nikki Devins, Wyatt Evans, Kyla Farquharson, Cora Kaiser, Jenna Laycock, Casey Loewen, Rooke Mickle, Clara Moreira, Luke Morgan, Alex Morrison, Izak Munro, Estyn Nabozniak, Gabe Nabozniak-Wog, Rylan Neufeld, Conner Rideout, Shaunté Shannacappo, Jeferson Solis, Cole Stainer, Sara Switzer, Sophie Vickers, and Evan Ward.
Congratulations to graduates and award recipients on your achievements! All the best in high school!