Town presents annual Outstanding Student Awards

Petawawa is filled with exceptional teenagers, proving themselves to be future community leaders and worthy of current distinction.

Seven teens were chosen by their teachers and given the Outstanding Student Award before their friends, family, and councillors at the June 4 council meeting. Though they each have distinguished themselves for different reasons, they are all exceptional in their achievements both in school and in the local community.

It is a special time for council and over the 14 years of the awards’ existence, it has seen over 100 teens receive this distinction.

“It is an evening we all look forward to,” said Mayor Bob Sweet. “We get to recognize some incredible young adults that we have here in our community.

“We are always impressed by the contribution that these young adults are making not only at school but everywhere else,” Sweet added. “Where they find the time I have no idea. We are always impressed by what we hear.”

He and Awards Coordinator Beverley Bimm presented the awards to the students.

“These seven young people represent the hundreds in our community that strive to be good citizens in their respective schools and community,” said Bimm.

Emma Hebert goes to Bishop Smith Catholic High School. She is a well-rounded student with the ability to balance academics, sports and the social aspects of student life. She is nicknamed ‘mom’ by her friends as she is always the one to ensure that everybody is safe and taken care of. In Grade 8, she was a Reach Out Group leader and was a member of the Dominion Republic Experience during her Grade 11 year, where she helped purchase medical supplies. She is also a member of the volleyball team and is a Petawawa Triathlon Club event volunteer. She plans to go to the University of Ottawa and study nursing.

Also from Bishop is Kayla Donovan. She is a reliable young woman who always follows through on her commitments, actions, and decisions, trying to do things to the best of her abilities. She played soccer with the Petawawa Minor Soccer League and was a member of her school’s team for two years. Her favourite sport, however, is curling which she has participated in for the past seven years. She even became a certified coach. She has also been involved in fundraising events at the curling club, writing a junior newsletter and acting as a server for seniors. She plans to study computer science at the University of Ottawa.

Maxim Larouche from Centre Scolaire Catholic Jeanne-Lajoie is known as a respectful and honest young man who is always quick to greet teachers and peers. He participates in several workshops at the school geared to further his knowledge and has created an LGBT club at the school. He manages to balance part-time work and his studies while also swimming competitively with the Petawawa Predators, being a lifeguard and instructing yoga. He enjoys horseback riding, cross country running, badminton and playing guitar. He plans to get a doctorate in psychology at the University of Ottawa.

Ema Paradis goes to the same school and has been described as respectful and attentive, as well as creative. She sews, embroiders and absolutely loves painting. She is also a member of an improvisation team and has competed at higher levels. She is very involved in the school’s Pastoral Care Committee and during the Christmas season, she decorated and sold candy canes. The money raised was used to fill baskets for those in need. Outside of school, she was instrumental in helping establish a francophone family day at Rotary Park, where she was the official face painter. She will study practical nursing in Trois-Rivières.

A student at Fellowes High School, Margaret O’Brien received the award. She can always be counted on and is always courteous. Through her initiative and decision-making skills, she consistently assumes a leadership role in a group situation. She has a pleasing personality and a positive attitude. She was a member of the Grade 11 Link Crew and a dedicated athlete in sports like figure skating, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, and hockey. In Grade 9 and 10, she volunteered with the Can Skate program and has volunteered at the Deep River Hospital, the Ottawa Rib Fest and at the Easter Seals Camp. She plans to return to Fellowes for a fifth year.

Grace Gendron from Valour JK-12 School is known as a hard and dedicated worker, an enthusiastic participant and a leader. She is the voice of the morning announcement and contributes her artistic talents in many different aspects of school life as well as in the community. She is rarely seen without her camera and has captured some incredible memories. She has acted as the Minister of Arts for the student council and has been yearbook editor, where she was responsible for page design, marketing, sales, and photography.

She has also offered her artistic talents to the Petawawa Military Family Resources Centre where she notably acts as a photographer and face painter. She will be returning to Valour for another year after which she plans to study fine arts.

Johnathan Frampton, a student at Valour JK-12 School is highly regarded and stands out among the graduating class for the leadership role he takes at school and in the community. He is involved in the sports program, participating in cross country running, basketball, Nordic skiing, tennis and track and field and is a member of Les Coureurs de Bois Running Club, enjoys orienteering and participated in the annual biathlon. He also volunteers at Valour Summer Sports Camp. He is the school’s prime minister and has represented his school and fellow students on the Renfrew County District School Board’s Student Senate. He is a Squadron Warrant Officer with 638 Algonquin Air Cadets. He also works as a supervisor at Dairy Queen in Petawawa. He plans to continue his studies at Queen’s University in Concurrent Education.