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RSEQ – LAURÉATS & LAURÉATES DU GALA 2023

LAURÉATS & LAURÉATES DU GALA 2023

Québec, le 3 juin 2023 – Le RSEQ (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) a couronné ce soir les lauréats et lauréates du 38e Gala d’excellence scolaire du RSEQ qui se tenait à Québec, au Manège militaire de Québec.
                             
L’événement fut un succès et a réuni plus de 240 personnes de partout au Québec. Nous avons eu l’honneur d’accueillir M. Yannick Gagnon, Député de Jonquière et adjoint gouvernemental à la ministre du Sport, du Loisir et du Plein air à l’Assemblée nationale. Au cours de la soirée, Mme Sylvie Cornellier, a reçu le Sablon d’honneur du conseil d’administration au secteur scolaire. De plus, M. Jean-Noël Corriveau a reçu le Sablon d’honneur du conseil d’administration au secteur collégial.

Voici donc les lauréats et lauréates de la soirée.

1. Élève féminine de 6e année ayant le mieux concilié le sport et les études 

Éliane Poirier | École du Parc-de-la-Montagne | Centre de services scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais | RSEQ Outaouais

Éliane s’est révélée être une élève-athlète extrêmement engagée au cours de cette année. En effet, elle a activement participé à plusieurs initiatives, notamment le projet des Animactifs, le projet d’entrepreneuriat et le projet 100% Intrépides. De plus, elle s’implique dans diverses activités physiques et sportives au sein de son école, tels que le hockey balle, le minitennis, le minivolley et l’athlétisme. Ainsi, elle trouve constamment des moyens de demeurer active et en mouvement.

2. Élève masculin de 6e année ayant le mieux concilié le sport et les études

Elliot Nolin | École internationale Wilfrid-Pelletier | Centre de services scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île | RSEQ Montréal

Elliot se distingue en tant qu’élève-athlète qui a réussi à concilier brillamment ses activités sportives et ses études. Il est membre actif de la ligue de futsal, de hockey cosom, de volleyball et de basketball. En outre, il s’investit en qualité d’animateur du spectacle amateur de l’école, démontrant ainsi son engagement. Elliot se positionne aussi comme un leadeur dans tous les domaines de son école.

3. École primaire ayant le plus contribué au développement des activités physiques et sportives dans son milieu 

École AU-FIL-de-l’EAU | Mont-Saint-Hilaire | Centre de services scolaire des Patriotes | RSEQ Montérégie

L’École participe à de nombreux projets du RSEQ, tels que PR1MO, En forme et la Rentrée Sportive. De plus, leur programme Sports Découvertes sera rétabli avec enthousiasme et proposera des journées dédiées aux sorties sportives et à la découverte. L’école est, de ce fait reconnue comme un établissement sportif qui promeut les saines habitudes de vie.

4. École secondaire ayant le plus contribué au développement des activités physiques et sportives dans son milieu 

École Jean-du-Nord | Sept-Îles | Centre de services scolaire du Fer | RSEQ Côte-Nord

L’école Jean-du-Nord a élaboré un programme d’activités physiques et sportives au sein de son établissement, favorisant ainsi son développement. De plus, l’école met en place et organise diverses activités de promotion et de sensibilisation visant à encourager les saines habitudes de vie. En ce qui concerne les activités du RSEQ, ils ont aussi pris part à des événements tels que La Rentrée Sportive, Iso-Actif et En forme.

5. Entraîneure féminine par excellence 

Stéphanie Boisvert | Basketball | École secondaire du Rocher | RSEQ Mauricie

Stéphanie, en qualité d’entraîneuse principale de l’équipe de basketball juvénile féminin de division 3, a guidé son équipe vers une médaille d’argent lors du championnat provincial. Elle accorde une grande importance à la progression de ses élèves-athlètes et a contribué à la création du LAB pour la concentration Basket de l’école du Rocher. Grâce à sa participation à diverses formations de perfectionnement, Stéphanie démontre son engagement constant à acquérir de nouvelles compétences afin d’améliorer ses aptitudes d’entraîneuse et d’accompagnatrice auprès des athlètes de son établissement.

6. Entraîneur masculin par excellence

Éric Leblanc | Volleyball | Collège Saint-Bernard | RSEQ Cantons-de-l’Est

Éric est responsable de toutes les équipes de volleyball de son école, à tous les niveaux. Malgré ses responsabilités, il trouve le temps de s’impliquer activement dans l’organisation du Championnat provincial Juvénile. De plus, en collaboration avec Volleyball Québec, il a consacré ses efforts à offrir des ateliers aux élèves de toutes les écoles de la région. Son expertise et son engagement ont été reconnus dans l’ensemble de la communauté du volleyball, ce qui en fait un leader respecté et admiré.

7. Équipe féminine de division 2 par excellence au niveau secondaire 

L’Ultime | Basketball Benjamin | Institut Secondaire Keranna | RSEQ Mauricie

L’équipe Ultimate de l’Institut Secondaire Keranna a réalisé une saison parfaite, en remportant tous ses matchs lors de la saison régulière et en remportant le championnat provincial. En plus de leur excellence sur le terrain, plusieurs joueuses de l’équipe se distinguent par ailleurs en dehors du terrain en contribuant au développement du sport auprès des jeunes. Elles offrent des ateliers de basketball aux élèves du primaire et contribuent ainsi à promouvoir la pratique de ce sport dès le plus jeune âge. Leur engagement et leur dévouement témoignent de leur passion pour le basketball et de leur volonté de partager leur expertise avec la communauté.

8. Équipe masculine de division 2 par excellence au niveau secondaire

EVLA | Futsal Juvénile | École Évangéline | RSEQ Montréal

En tant que champions de la saison régulière, ce groupe de jeunes a accompli d’importantes avancées en termes de valeurs à promouvoir et d’attitude exemplaire à adopter, que ce soit dans les moments favorables ou plus difficiles en compétition. Ils forment une équipe unie qui a su déployer des efforts constants pour atteindre et maintenir les plus hauts standards scolaires et sportifs. Ces jeunes ont connu une évolution significative sur le plan individuel tout en réalisant des performances collectives et sportives remarquables. Leur parcours témoigne de leur détermination, de leur engagement et de leur capacité à se surpasser ensemble pour atteindre des niveaux de réussite impressionnants sur le plan personnel et collectif.

9. Équipe de division 1 par excellence au niveau secondaire

Dynamiques | Basketball féminin juvénile D1 | Collège Charles-Lemoyne | RSEQ Montérégie

Les athlètes de cette équipe ont réalisé une saison parfaite avec 12 victoires et ont remporté le championnat de la saison régulière, ce qui est une première pour le Collège Charles-Lemoyne. Leur succès est d’autant plus impressionnant que toutes les joueuses font partie du programme sport-études, ce qui implique une rigueur à la fois dans leurs études et le sport. Leur parcours en séries éliminatoires a été particulièrement exigeant. Les joueuses ont fait preuve de détermination et de résilience pour surmonter les défis et atteindre de nouveaux sommets. 

10. Élève-athlète féminine de niveau secondaire ayant démontré une persévérance académique et sportive

Mia Dufour | Polyvalente des Rivières – Forestville | Centre de service scolaire de l’Estuaire | RSEQ Côte-Nord 

Mia se démarque en tant que leadeur sur le terrain de volley-ball grâce à son esprit sportif et sa bonne humeur. Son travail acharné en classe lui a permis de progresser au point de se passer complètement d’outils d’aide à l’écriture pour ses travaux et examens. En plus de son succès scolaire, Mia trouve du plaisir à aider les autres jeunes dans sa famille d’accueil avec leurs devoirs et leurs leçons. Sa détermination, son engagement et sa volonté d’aider les autres font d’elle un exemple inspirant de persévérance et de générosité.

11. Élève-athlète masculin de niveau secondaire ayant démontré une persévérance académique et sportive

Benjamin Marchand | Académie les Estacades| Centre de services scolaire du Chemin-du-Roy | RSEQ Mauricie

Benjamin, quart-arrière de l’équipe de football juvénile de division 2, a fait preuve d’une incroyable résilience après avoir surmonté une tumeur bénigne à la moelle épinière qui l’a empêché de participer à la saison précédente. Déterminé à revenir sur le terrain, il a entrepris une réadaptation rigoureuse afin de pouvoir reprendre les sports de contact. Au cours de cette saison, il a réalisé des performances exceptionnelles en établissant un nouveau record d’école pour le plus grand nombre de passes de touchés. En plus de ses exploits sur le terrain, Benjamin s’implique également comme entraîneur auprès des plus jeunes, partageant ainsi son expérience et sa passion pour le sport. Son parcours illustre sa détermination, sa capacité à surmonter les obstacles et son désir de contribuer au développement des autres.

12. Personne ayant le plus contribué au développement de saines habitudes de vie dans son milieu 

Valérie Cossette | École secondaire d’Amos | Centre de services scolaire Harricana | RSEQ Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Valérie encourage activement les élèves à participer à divers programmes initiés par le RSEQ, tels que la Rentrée sportive et De Facto. De plus, tout au long de l’année, elle les incite à maintenir un train de vie actif en organisant des courses deux fois par semaine. Elle dispense également des ateliers sur des sujets tels que la gestion du stress, la cohésion d’équipe et la communication positive, dans le but de permettre à l’élève-athlète de développer pleinement son potentiel. Ces initiatives ont permis aux jeunes et à leurs parents de mieux appréhender les comportements à éviter et à dénoncer, renforçant ainsi leur compréhension des enjeux associés.

13. Élève-athlète féminine de 5e secondaire ayant le mieux concilié le sport et les études 

Megan Veillette | École secondaire du Rocher | Centre de services scolaire de l’Énergie | RSEQ Mauricie

Megan est une joueuse de basketball redoutable qui a su se distinguer par son talent et son leadeurship au sein de l’équipe championne régionale en juvénile D3 et finaliste au championnat provincial. Son attitude positive et son dévouement ont été des sources d’inspiration pour ses coéquipiers. En plus de ses performances exceptionnelles sur le terrain, Megan s’est investie en tant qu’entraîneuse pour les équipes benjamines de basketball et de flag-football au sein de son école, partageant ainsi son expertise et sa passion pour le sport avec les plus jeunes. Par ailleurs, Megan est une élève très impliquée dans les comités de la vie étudiante de son école. Son engagement aussi bien sur le plan sportif que scolaire fait d’elle un modèle inspirant pour ses pairs.

14. Élève-athlète masculin de 5e secondaire ayant le mieux concilié le sport et les études 

Antoine Daoust | Séminaire de Chicoutimi – services éducatifs | Établissement d’enseignement privé | RSEQ Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Antoine se distingue en qualité d’élève-athlète polyvalent, pratiquant plusieurs disciplines telles que le basketball, le volleyball, le flag-football et le volleyball de plage. En plus d’exceller comme leadeur au sein de chacune de ses équipes, il contribue également au développement du sport en assumant le rôle d’officiel. Antoine s’investit pleinement en mettant en place divers projets visant à améliorer l’expérience sportive des élèves. Un exemple concret est son initiative d’organiser un programme, en collaboration avec le barreau du Canada, afin de présenter aux jeunes les différents métiers liés à la salle d’audience. Malgré ses nombreuses heures d’entraînement et d’implication, Antoine place sa réussite scolaire au cœur de ses priorités, démontrant ainsi son engagement et sa détermination. 

CAO Summer Newsletter

Getting Started      NCCP Training      Programs & Resources     EventsThe ScrumCAO’s

Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2023



Welcome back to the Coaches Association of Ontario’s quarterly newsletter, The Scrum. This communication will keep you up-to-date on the multi-sport coaching landscape in Ontario. Each season we feature upcoming PD Events, Funding Opportunities, Programs, NCCP News and more! Win $500 and a Blue Jays VIP Experience!Do you know a coach who… -Loves sport and coaching? OR-Has taken an athlete or team to an important championship? OR-Is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all participants? OR-Is simply the BEST ever?
Nominate them for a 2023 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award! Winning coaches (and guests(s)) will be recognized at a VIP Toronto Blue Jays suite experience and celebration on September 16, 2023 at the Rogers Centre, and will be awarded a $500 prize reimbursement provided by Hydro One Inc. Up to 15 coaches will be selected and recognized.
Nominations close June 27, 2023 @ 11:59pmNominate a Coach NowCoach 2 Coach Mentorship Programs Work 1-on-1 with a mentor or apprentice this season!
With 3 free targeted programs to choose from, this is a great opportunity for coaches to develop their skills and expand their networks.  All programs include:– 1-on-1 mentorship match (monthly meetings from June-December, 2023)-Targeted resources for each program (BIPOC, Female, Parasport)- $250 honorarium for coach development- And more… Mentorship opportunities are available for: female coaches, coaches who identify as BIPOC, and coaches who wish to work with athletes with a disability.Apply Today!View New Address in Maps
Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench SeriesThis month we highlight Siobhan McLaughlin, who has been coaching the sport of rowing for over 25 years. Siobhan was first introduced to rowing by taking Learn To Row through her local parks and rec programming. From there she went on to the OUA championships, and become coach at Ridley College and the Ottawa Rowing Club where her athletes all give her glowing reviews. Siobhan’s journey shows you never know where dipping a toe into a sport experience can take you later in life. Don’t miss her inspiring story.
Read Siobhan’s Story


Summit SeriesOur next Summit series runs throughout National Coaches Week in
Ontario September 16 – 24, 2023. Save the Date


Host NCCP for FREE!CAO can subsidize your club to run an NCCP course for FREE until March 31, 2024. Click below for more info.More Information


Diversity ConferenceDon’t miss the OUA’s upcoming Diversity in Sports Conference, June 23rd – 25th, 2023 in Mississauga.Register Today


STAY CONNECTED

Share CAO Master List Sign-upPlease help us share the work CAO does with your fellow coaches, clubs and staff. Share our Master List sign-up today.Sign up for CAO Master List



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MHSAA Announces Scholarship Recipients

MHSAA Announces Scholarship Recipients

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association is excited to announce the recipient of two high school basketball scholarships and several high school hockey scholarships today. All high schools across Manitoba were invited to nominate individuals from their hockey and basketball teams.

Congratulations to all of the recipients (and thank you to Boston Pizza for providing our celebratory lunch!):

The Garett Lee Sidor Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Harneek Sahota of St. John’s-Ravenscourt School and Darian Giasson of Grandview School.

The Alexander Josephson Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Kaitlyn Davy of Murdoch MacKay Collegiate and Mason Laarveld of Ecole Secondaire Oak Park High School.

Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum Sami Jo Small Award was awarded to Mika Morand of College Jeanne-Sauvé.

Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum Ken “Friar” Nicolson Award was awarded to Mason Lesuk of Springfield Collegiate Institute.

The Fred Stevenson Award was awarded to Euan Bohm of St. John’s-Ravenscourt School.

Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends Scholarships were awarded to Abigail (Abby) Warkentin of College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate and Tyson Tarnick of W.C. Miller Collegiate.

OFSAA Spring 2023 Bulletin Now Available

OFSAA just came through its busiest winter sports season since 2019 with flying colours!

We are thrilled to share the excitement of the “championship reboot”  from the past few months in the new Spring Issue of the Bulletin.

The accomplishments of student-athletes and coaches from hockey, basketball, volleyball, snowboarding, wrestling, and the rest of our winter sports, are highlighted throughout the pages.

Looking for the OFSAA event calendar for 2023-24? It’s here!

Learn about one school’s “OFSAA Experience” from qualifying for their first-ever OFSAA Girls’ Volleyball Championship and read about the excitement that came along with it.

Interested in Try Day and our new Regional Events participation initiative? Find it, along with so much more, in this issue! Just scroll across this page to start reading our online version or share the link which can be found HERE.

Look for the magazine in your school soon!

OFSAA Character Athletic Awards Announced!

OFSAA’s Character Athlete Award celebrates the efforts of the exceptional student-athletes in Ontario who best exemplify the characteristics that OFSAA is founded on.

Nominations come to the OFSAA office detailing the exceptional character of student-athletes from across the province. This year’s recipients inspire those around them with their involvement on the playing field and in the classroom, in both school and community.

To learn more about the award and the process to apply please go to https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/recognition/scholarships/character-athlete-award

Selecting just two females and two male winners from the over 90 submissions is a difficult task, but these four individuals stood out for their commitment to OFSAA’s values of leadership, equity, respect and sportsmanship. Each winner will receive a $500 grant from Jostens and a commemorative plaque to recognize this outstanding achievement.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Le Prix d’esprit sportif de la FASSO récompense les efforts d’élèves athlètes exceptionnels en Ontario qui incarnent les valeurs fondamentales de la FASSO.

La FASSO reçoit des mises en candidature détaillant le caractère exceptionnel d’élèves athlètes de partout en province, qui inspirent leur entourage par leur participation aux sports scolaires et leur implication scolaire et communautaire.

Sélectionner seulement deux femmes et deux hommes gagnants parmi plus de 90 candidatures est une tâche difficile, mais ces quatre personnes se sont démarquées par leur engagement envers les valeurs de leadership, d’équité, de respect et d’esprit sportif de l’OFSAA.

Merci à notre commanditaire, Jostens, d’avoir décerné une bourse de 500 $ à chacun de nos deux lauréats.

Ella Dunn Headshot

2022-23 Female Recipient:  Ella Dunn

Nomination by:  Tegan Bradshaw

Ella is a grade 12 student at Woodroffe High School in Ottawa.

Ella demonstrated leadership skills on and off the rugby pitch as the Woodroffe High School Rugby 7’s and Girls Curling captain. She is an approachable student athlete who always takes the time to help her teammates understand skills, laws, and and to how to run drills. Within Special Olympics Ontario School Programs, Ella has demonstrated additional leadership skills as a co-team captain of a unified student basketball team. In this role and as part of a small team of senior students, she organized lunch-time basketball practices for general learning program students with a range of intellectual and physical abilities. This involved teaching students skills and tournament rules through play-based activities, and assessing player abilities and social behaviours to create teams that were inclusive and allowed for maximum success. Ella and a fellow unified student, co-captained a unified team while attending a city-wide tournament. This responsibility involved helping teammates stay organized and ready to play throughout the day while ensuring that teammates stay hydrated while promoting fair play, good sportsmanship in all games, and socializing with teammates to promote inclusivity within the school.

Ella has shown exceptional time management while balancing school, athletics, and part time work, all while maintaining excellent grades. She has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the sport of rugby with her ongoing and active participation at the high school, local club, and regional level. High school rugby is a huge time commitment in order to ensure that all players are physically and mentally prepared to play a full match. Ella consistently attended 5 hours of practices per week on top of multiple tournaments. High school curling required students to attend 4 hours of games and practices each week. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program requires students to miss multiple classes in order to partake in some of the experiential activities.

Ella has captained the rugby and curling teams because she is able to command respect from her coaches and teammates through her lead by example leadership and dedication. As a student-athlete, she understands the commitments that her teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials make to run sports.

Ella understands the opportunity that rugby brings to high school athletes of all ages, genders, and body types. She promotes the sport because she understands the equitable opportunities it provides to her classmates. Ella has worked as a student-coach and player with the Woodroffe Unified sports teams as part of Woodroffe’s ongoing partnership with Special Olympics Ontario. She has ensured that all participating students have the tools and support to be successful and have an enjoyable experience through sport. This experience is helping to decrease the segregation between academic programming at the school and has further promoted inclusion among more students.

Ella’s confidence and decision-making skills have grown stronger over the years, and this is evident in the trust her coaches and teachers put in her regarding her leadership roles within the programs she participates in. She continues to actively participate in new opportunities within the community, such as curling camps, University of Ottawa LEAD programs for females in rugby and rugby combined with Rugby Ontario. She continues to make connections with mentors in the rugby community who could offer advice and guidance. In addition to athletics, Ella has shown growth while working towards her SHSM certification in Sports and Recreation. As part of this program, Ella has participated in numerous activities and certifications that have given her skills in first aid, infection control, coaching and planning, working with students with disabilities, taping and wrapping for injuries, team-building, and leadership. These experiences have only increased her confidence in working with a wide range of different people in unique situations.

Bailee Jacklin Headshot

2022-23 Female Recipient:  Bailee Jacklin

Nomination by:  Pauline Fidler

Bailee is a grade 12 student at Medway High School in Arva.

Bailee was a student in Medway’s Peer Support Leadership program during her grade 11 year. Bailee showed from the beginning that she was excited, willing and capable to take on a leadership role within the school and community. Peer Supporters at Medway are responsible for the orientation and support of the grade nine students as they begin their high school careers. Bailee was placed in, and responsible for a grade 9 Physical Education homeroom where she assisted the students academically, socially and personally. She was also an asset to the classroom teacher by helping with lessons, organization and some classroom management. Bailee was given very positive evaluations and feedback for her role as a senior leader. She worked diligently to remain useful and effective throughout such a challenging year and showed resilience, kindness and dedication each day. As a Peer Supporter, she also helped to organize Grade 9 Orientation, Homeroom competitions and various Spirit days. Staff have been impressed by both her organization and care for others and students respect Bailee for her hard work and positive manner.

Bailee is willing to help out wherever needed and can be counted on to complete any task with integrity and skill. Bailee is always ready and able to assist others and works very well with people of all ages and personalities. Her compassion for others and her school is evident in everything she does. Along with maintaining Honour Roll status in her academics, she has been an integral part of the Medway community over the years where she has made many wonderful friends and inspired others to be upstanders and positive members of our school. Bailee has been involved in Best Buddies, Athletics (basketball & badminton), Math tutoring and Student Council. Bailee is a positive role model for student leaders and the community as a whole. She has recently organized community fundraisers for a family in need of support and financial assistance – she truly shares both her time and her heart with those who need it the most.

Bailee approaches every practice ready to work and expects the same of others. She is focused on personal growth and regularly seeks feedback from coaches and teammates. She is trusted by her peers as someone who is willing to help without judgment and is able to support others in ways that enable them to achieve personal success. She runs team warm-ups, assists with drills, helps teammates analyze opponents before matches, offers insight to younger athletes, and is always there to cheer on others or provide encouraging words after a tough match. Her approachability and work ethic, coupled with her capacity to lead, prove to be the ideal characteristics that allow her to find continued success in athletics and why she holds the respect of both teammates and opponents.

Bailee has been a committed member of the Student Athletic Association since her grade 9 year. She attends all meetings and does not hesitate to volunteer to help out with events. She is a strong role model for our younger students in her role at SAA but also in her sports involvement on the badminton and basketball teams. Her calm demeanour and sportsmanship along with her strong work ethic and determination is a pleasure to watch on the court.

Zachary Clarke Headshot

2022-23 Male Recipient:  Zachary Clarke

Nomination by:  Courtney Bovin

Zachary is a grade 12 student at John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham.

Teachers call on Zach in class to help others and he is always the “go to” guy when assistance is required at the school. He leads by example, never judging others, always finding ways to give back and contribute, not just to his school community but to the broader community as well. The other students look up to Zach and seek him out when they need help with something or are trying to organize events.

Zach takes an active role in all the timing/scorekeeping for basketball and volleyball games, and he’s a positive presence in the school. He makes connections with other students through his tutoring and leadership of activities, and the students can see how hard he works to be a better athlete at his chosen sports. He is always shooting hoops to better his basketball skills, even when its off-season, working out in the weight room after school, and still manages to juggle five days of track & field practices along with a round or two of golf, so that he can keep developing his technique to be a better thrower and golfer.

He maintains a 90% plus average while devoting time to extra-curricular activities. Zach plans to continue throwing (shot put and discus) at the university level next year and is currently working on becoming a certified football official. He continues to find ways to give back and be involved in sport and his community. He was the school’s Robinson-Bruette Award recipient in 2022 which is given to a coach or student, who has contributed the most to athletics in a non-player capacity. It’s the first time a grade 11 student has won the award (traditionally the award has always gone to a graduating student or retiring teacher). This was the school’s way of acknowledging and recognizing Zach’s tremendous contribution to the school community, not just his athletic or academic performances, but to show him that we see all the amazing things that he does.

Aakash Senthill

2022-23 Male Recipient:  Aakash Senthill

Nomination by:  Michelle Gibson

Aakash is a grade 12 at E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill.

Teachers at Aakash’s school describe him as a conscientious student who continuously strives to do well. He can often be seen taking the lead in group settings and the other students look to him as a peer role model. Aakash is always engaged in his learning and is still willing to help others. Through this dedication to his studies, Aakash has been able to achieve honour roll status and has earned marks placing him at the top of his graduating class.

On top of Aakash’s academic success, active as an executive member of Athletic Council. In this role, he is responsible for running tournaments, games and events for the school. This involves score-keeping for games as well as making sure all events are setup and equipment is put away afterwards. Where Aakash really shines as a leader is in his role as a Link Crew Leader. He is a responsible mentor and role-model as a part of the Link Crew Program. Link Crew is a nation-wide transition program that helps to welcome grade nine students to high school. The program focuses on building relationships and encouraging participation of all students, regardless of their differences. This program has helped to culture the school and build a more positive, inclusive and caring community.

Aakash takes his roles and responsibilities very seriously and he has worked hard to help make students feel welcomed and to provide a caring atmosphere. He has been actively involved in organizing several events for Link Crew such as Orientation Day, Exam Preparation, Grade 8 Preview Day, Pep Rallies and Grade9 Spirit Days. He has volunteered as a coach for Pelham House League Soccer. In this role, he organized practices and built relationships with younger athletes in the community. He has also volunteered at the Pelham Public Library. In this role he was helped to assist with charitable fundraising as well as teaching local youth how to operate and enjoy technology. Aakash has further volunteered with Pelham Cares to help collect and distribute items for their Holiday Cheer program. He has also been a representative on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council where he attended monthly meetings to discuss, plan, organize and run community events such as Family Fun Day and SummerFest. Most recently, Aakash has been actively volunteering within the Niagara Health System. This experience aligns to his goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. Here, he has gained valuable knowledge on mental and physical illnesses. He has been able to observe patient assessments, diagnosis and treatments. This experience has also allowed him to gain an understanding on how to communicate effectively with patients.

Aakash has played competitive basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country and badminton. As an athlete, Aakash is a true role model for other athletes through his quiet confidence, strong work ethic and determination.  Aakash is a very high-achieving student. His academics are a priority to him and he will always strive to achieve his best, however, he has been able to fully engage within the school community and community at large. He is always the first to volunteer at school when it comes to working with others and leading new students. He shows commitment to his academics and will find himself graduating at the top of his graduating class.

Aakash has also been involved in helping our Link Crew with providing a more equitable and inclusive community. In this role, he has attended meetings as well as an Unlearn conference. He has recently been named the recipient of the school’s Excellence in Education Award. This award takes into account academic accomplishments, extra-curricular involvement, having a role in the betterment of the school community and community at large, being a positive role model as well as personal excellence outside of the school. The high standard to which Aakash holds himself comes naturally to him and should bode well in future endeavours as he pursues a career in the medical profession.

Congratulations to our four very deserving recipients and best of luck in the fall!

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PEISAA – David Voye Memorial Rugby

David Voye Memorial rugby tournament returns after a two-year absence

Three Oaks seniors excited for the opportunity to play in popular event

Jason Simmonds · Journalist

Three Oaks AAA Axewomen seniors Lindsay Stewart, left, and Hannah Somers are looking forward to participating in the 2022 David Voye Memorial rugby tournament in Summerside from May 12 to 14. This is the first time Stewart and Somers will participate in the popular event after COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of the tournament the last two years. Stewart and Somers are trying out for Team P.E.I. for the 2022 Canada Summer Games. – Contributed

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The David Voye Memorial rugby tournament returns to the grounds of Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside this week.

This year marks the return of the popular tournament, which is in its 24th year, after the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events due to COVID-19.

“We should all be really grateful to have this opportunity because so much has been taken away from us with the pandemic these past few years,” said senior Lindsay Stewart, who plays the eight-man position with the host Three Oaks Axewomen. “Having the chance to have this one tournament back for our last year is really nice.”

The tournament features 10 senior AAA-calibre teams – five boys and five girls. All of the teams are from P.E.I., with the exception of the Avon View High School from Windsor, N.S., which is represented by its boys’ and girls’ teams.

Hannah Somers, a Grade 12 outside centre with the Axewomen, said the opportunity to participate in the Voye tournament for the first time in her final year of high school means a lot.

“Finally, to be able to play a tournament with your school team is really exciting,” said Somers, 18. “We have played tournaments with the P.E.I. (provincial) team, but we never had the opportunity to play with the school, so it’s really cool.”

The teams will play a round-robin format, May 12-14. The top female and male teams after the round robin will take home the championship banners.

The Brodie McCarthy Award will be presented to the team that best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship and team spirit. McCarthy died as a result of a brain injury suffered during the 2018 Voye tournament.

For Somers and Stewart, this season takes on added importance. Both players are trying to earn roster spots with Team P.E.I. for the 2022 Canada Summer Games.

“It’s really nice to have the extra practice,” said Somers. “We practise almost every day, so it’s really going to give us more skill that we need.”

Stewart is hoping family history repeats itself at the Voye tournament. Stewart said her older brother, Dexter Stewart, helped Three Oaks win the championship banner in his senior year.

Dexter’s passion for the sport rubbed off on Lindsay.

“It always made me eager to try it,” said Lindsay, 17, who is also looking forward to playing in her first David Voye Memorial rugby tournament.

“As soon as I got to Grade 10, I knew I was going to play. Unfortunately, because of COVID we were not able to have a Grade 10 season, so I was waiting for Grade 11 to come around and join as soon as I could.”


Three Oaks boys take David R. Voye Memorial rugby championship in Summerside, girls drop final to B.C. squad

Kyle Reid 

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The Three Oaks senior AAA boys’ Axemen showed its resolve in the final of the David R. Voye Memorial rugby tournament on Saturday, May 6 to keep the championship banner in Summerside.

The TOSH boys, the defending tournament champs, took the 20-12 win over the Bluefield Bobcats in the final game after running into some early adversity.

Facing a strong Bobcats team, the TOSH squad found themselves playing from behind following an early Bluefield try in the first two minutes of the match.

An unconverted try by TOSH’s Kale Wood evened the score, with the Axemen taking the lead following a penalty kick by Ethan Gallant. Another unconverted try by Reilly Gallant put the Three Oaks squad further ahead.

Bluefield pushed back with a late converted try, but Wood responded for TOSH, scoring after a furious sprint from near the halfway line, putting the game out of reach in the final four minutes.

“I seen some space and took some opportunity to take it,” Wood said about the final try. “Our team played great, and we got the win.”

The Three Oaks Axemen defeated the Bluefield Bobcats 20-12 in the final of the David R. Voye Memorial rugby tournament on Saturday, May 6. Members of the Axemen are, back row, from left Carter Lawless, Kale Wood, Faik Isufi, Drew Drummond, Ethan Gallant, Landon MacKinnon, Brex MacLeod, Cole DesRoches, Riley Gallant, Clark Allain, Isaac Mosher, Logan Delima, Cam Schurman, Morgan Hogg and head coach James Voye; and front row, from left, Mackenzie DesRoches, Cole Echlin, Ryerson England, Cole Atkinson, Lahayi Masarabakiza, Max Steeves, Campbell Wadman, Nathan Driscoll, Keegan Warnell, Hayden Ellis and Connor Blood. – Kyle Reid/SaltWire

The Axemen squad featured many returning players from last year’s P.E.I. School Athletic Association championship team.

Wood said many of the returning TOSH players were eager to start the season strong with another banner win.

“It feels awesome, everybody’s happy,” he said. “We got the win last year, too, and the boys remembered how awesome it was last year and brought that momentum this year.”

This year marked the 25th edition of the David R. Voye tournament, featuring 20 teams — 12 girls and eight boys — double the number from 2022.

Boys’ head coach James Voye, son of the late David Voye, whom the tournament is named after, said he was pleased with the team’s effort in the game and throughout the tournament.

“It’s a tournament that the guys kind of get amped up and fired up for,” said Voye, whose father was a driving force behind the development of the school’s rugby program. “It’s one I always look forward to coming back and coaching in (it) being named after my father. It’s a little special.”

TOSH girls downed by defending B.C. champs

In the first championship game of the afternoon, the Three Oaks senior AAA girls ran up against a brick wall in the defending British Columbia champion Yale Secondary School.

Yale Secondary School girls’ rugby team captain Lana Dueck accepts the championship banner after winning the final of the David R. Voye Memorial rugby tournament. The team from Abbotsford, B.C. took a 36-0 win over the Three Oaks senior high girls’ rugby team in the tournament final. – Kyle Reid/SaltWire

The TOSH team had little answer for a relentless and co-ordinated Yale attack, led by Trinity Bodenchuk, who plays the No. 8 forward position, dropping the championship match with a 36-0 final score.

“We played some very structured rugby, we were very patient,” said Yale coach Scott Hunter. “Three Oaks also played a structured game and we were able to keep the ball out of their hands for the majority of the game.”

The TOSH girls recently returned from Abbotsford, B.C., where they participated in an exchange with Yale, which then made the return trip to P.E.I. for the Voye tournament.

Hunter praised P.E.I.’s rugby culture following the final game.

“The tournament showed some really strong rugby,” said Hunter. “We’ve never been to P.E.I. for rugby and the rugby culture is pretty strong here.”

Despite the loss, Three Oaks head coach Tim Hockin noted that playing the powerhouse B.C. team was a great learning opportunity for his crew.

“The pace of this game is not something they’re going to face in the regular season,” said Hockin. “To see how crisp and how well the B.C. team executed — they play so well within their structure — I want the (TOSH) girls to see that too.”

MHSAA Hall of Fame Newest Members

MHSAA High School Sports Hall of Fame officially has new members!

After a three year hiatus, the MHSAA High School Sports Hall of Fame held an induction ceremony this past Saturday at the Canad Inns Club Regent. The following incredible Manitobans were honoured:

Team:

Morris Mavericks Varsity Girls Volleyball 1996-1998

Builders:

Ken Overby, Multi-sport

Gord Nixon, Multi-sport

Daryl Ford, Multi-sport

Morris Glimcher, Multi-sport

Congratulations to you all and thank you for your contributions to high school sports in our province!

BCSS 2023 Awards Program

Award Precipitants

Full description of the awards and the winners can be found here

Citationa of Excellence – CoachDean FrancksKalamalka Secondary
Citationa of Excellence – CoachTim MurdyShawnigan Lake School
Citationa of Excellence – CoachTessa KubiekOak Bay Secondary
Citationa of Excellence – OfficialWalter BeckerFootball
Citationa of Excellence – OfficialKaren DhillonBasketball
Citationa of Excellence – OfficialDarcy WilliamsonBasketball – First 3-Wommen Officating Crew at Provincial Final
Citationa of Excellence – OfficialGilda MooreBasketball – First 3-Wommen Officating Crew at Provincial Final
Citationa of Excellence – OfficialMareesa KellyBasketball – First 3-Wommen Officating Crew at Provincial Final
Citationa of Excellence – AdministratorChris KennedyWest Vancouver School District
Citationa of Excellence – Athletic DirectorJody VospereSa-Hali Secondary
Citationa of Excellence – Athletic DirectorGerald LambertSouthridge School
Women in Sports & Leadership AwardAshlyen SinghRick Hansen Secondary
Media Person of the YearHoward TsumuraVarsity Letters
Instpiraiton School AwardClaremont Secondary 
Honour AwardAnnemarie WattsValleybieew Secondary

OFSAA – Join Our Team! Apply Now For Vice President

OFSAA is currently accepting nominations for the position of vice president. This volunteer position is a one year term beginning in September 2023, with the possibility of serving an additional one year term as vice president, two-year term as president, and a two-year term as past president.

According to the OFSAA by-laws, “The incoming vice president shall be of the opposite sex to the former vice president who shall become president.” Nominees this year must therefore identify as female. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 12, 2023.

An association representative, after consultation with their association’s Principals’ Council representative, may choose to nominate an individual for this position. The individual must be a principal or vice principal.

Please forward nominations to Shamus Bourdon at shamus@ofsaa.on.ca.

When submitting a nomination, please include the following information:

  • Nominator’s name, school, email, and telephone number
  • Nominee’s name, school, email, and telephone number
  • Nominee’s resume outlining their experience in education, school sport, and leadership roles

A description of duties is below:

Vice President

• two-year term;

• voting member of the Executive Council;

• attend the Annual Assembly meeting in April each year;

• member of the Management Committee (meets via video conference on an as-needed basis);

• should attend the Representatives’ Council meeting in November;

• Chair of the Future Directions Committee (two-year term) – two meetings annually;

• Chair of the Principals’ Council (two-year term) – one meeting annually at the Annual Assembly in April; other meetings as necessary;

• may fill in for the President when required;

• may be a member of a Board of Reference;

• may be a member of any other ad hoc committee;

• weekday commitment – seven days/year (maximum nine).