COLD LAKE - Corbin Williams, a Grade 10 student at Assumption Jr/Sr High School was recently awarded the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award. This was the first year that the award was given out.
The award was created in collaboration with the Lieutenant Governor’s office and hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA).
The purpose of the award is to honour students who have demonstrated improved success both academically and personally and have shown exceptional growth in developing skills to better themselves, specifically by demonstrating determination, initiative and independence.
Students were nominated by school staff or members of the education community and nominations were based on the student’s academic achievement and on their attitudes, actions and characteristics in pursuit of their educational path.
Williams, who was in Grade 9 for the March 2023 nominations deadline, was nominated because he showed incredible improvement in his academics and exemplified all the characteristics the award was created to celebrate.
“We couldn't think of a more deserving student than Corbin. His kindness and consistently positive attitude toward life are admired by staff and students alike,” said Elaine Ernst, principal at Assumption Jr/Sr High School. “Being one of only nine students across the province is a wonderful achievement that reflects Corbin's hard work in every facet of life. We can't wait to see all of the great things that lie ahead in Corbin's future.”
Williams credits his family, friends and teachers for being there for him throughout the years. “Without them and their support, it would have never happened,” he explained.
The event, which included a dinner and awards ceremony, was held on Sept. 25 at Government House in Edmonton. “The ceremony was awesome,” said Williams “And the building [has] lots of history, so that was really neat to see.”
At this year’s ceremony, each recipient was presented with a medal, certificate, congratulatory letter from the President of ASBA and an honorarium from SB LLP, an Edmonton based law firm.
In total, nine awards are set to be distributed each year. Categories are divided by region - North, Central and South, and by grade level – Grade 6, 9 and 11.
Looking ahead
The ASBA hopes that the award will act as an incentive to students to maintain their drive for educational achievement and success. When asked if this honour would change anything about his outlook on his academic and personal futures, Williams responded, “Winning this award has given me more confidence to go after what I want in life in terms of school or jobs or other opportunities.”
When asked if he had any advice for other youth aspiring to better themselves, he said, “I would tell everyone going through things in their life to talk to people. Talk to your family. Talk to your teachers. They are there to support you.”
