Grade 8 student, Myles Mccallum receives Award of Excellence at Hector Thiboutot Community School in Sandy Bay on Monday (submitted photo/Donna Boyle, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan)

By Ben Tompkins

Awards of Excellence

Northern Saskatchewan’s future recognized by Lieutenant Governor

Oct 7, 2023 | 11:43 AM

The best and brightest of northern Saskatchewan’s youth were recognized earlier this week as the province’s Lieutenant Governor headed up north to present some Awards of Excellence.

His Honour Russ Mirasty was supposed to visit six schools in three days (Monday through Wednesday), however was unable due to personal matters and weather conditions, as one student at each grade level from grades 7 to 12 was presented with an award.

In his place for the visits on Monday in the northeast (Creighton and Sandy Bay), was his aide.

The awards’ criteria include academic standing, school attendance, and involvement in cultural activities.

“Anytime a student in northern Saskatchewan is recognized, it really just captivates not only their fellow peers but also makes them strive for continuing their education and the opportunities that come with that,” northern advisor for the Ministry of Education, Thomas Sierzycki told northeastNOW.

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“His honour, as you know, is from northern Saskatchewan, so anytime that he can go into the communities and kind of showcase what he’s become through all the ups and downs of life, it really resonates with the kids and they’re very happy to see him.”

Two of the winners were from the northeast in Talissa Alexander and Myles Mccallum.

Alexander was a grade 12 student from Creighton Community School, while Mccallum was a grade eight student from Hector Thiboutot Community School in Sandy Bay.

“Just the fact that we’re celebrating their academic standings, their community-mindedness and also their cultural aspects, it’s huge for the communities,” added Sierzycki.

“It’s not only the fact that the students themselves are celebrated, but their families and everyone who gets to support those students, so again, it’s a very big deal for these young people.”

Myles Mccallum

In grade eight Mccallum had an attendance average of 98% and an academic average of 93%.

His teachers have described him as a role model and a positive influence on his classmates and teammates.

In a press release sent to northeastNOW Mccallum said he feels that school helps in preparing him for the future.

“Education is truly important, as the buffalo once was to our people. The new buffalo is education, and we need it to live a good life in Northern Saskatchewan.”

Talissa Alexander

Meanwhile, Alexander’s award had to be accepted by her parents, as she is away at university, having graduated earlier this summer.

(Submitted photo/Donna Boyle, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan)

In grade 12, Alexander had an attendance average of 97% and an academic average of 95%.

Her teachers described her as: extremely hardworking, intrinsically motivated, gifted both academically and athletically, and possessing a giving nature.

According to the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Alexander made it her mission to help others, as she volunteers with a senior volleyball team, fundraises for her club basketball team, and referees junior volleyball and basketball.

She is now currently attending St. Francis Xavier University to complete a bachelor’s degree in human kinetics followed by a master’s degree in physiotherapy.

“We’re just so thrilled to be part of this, to be welcomed by communities, and to recognize students that are just doing tremendous things in northern Saskatchewan. Anytime that you can be part of that, whether it’s the office in La Ronge, whether it’s Regina, I think speaks volumes about how awesome it is to see these kids succeed,” Sierzycki explained.

“Congratulations to the students and again, congratulations to the communities for supporting them.”

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news@northeastnow.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8