This past Friday marked a last goodbye for many of the J.A. Williams graduating class of 2012, as the new alumni filled the school gym one last time to receive their hard-earned awards.
The special evening presentation honoured those students that were the top of their respective classes, and gave out money to students that showed leadership and perseverance. Local businesses also contributed by giving money and recognition to help aid the graduates on their next career path.
"I am so proud of this graduating class, we will be giving out more than $50,000 in awards and scholarships," said JAWS principal Terry Moghrabi. "They really did improve the over-all condition of this school."
One student in particular stood out as the awards were being received–Meagan Anderson who also served as the valedictorian of the 2012 class, took home more than $2,500 in award money from the school. When asked how it felt to work so hard and be rewarded, a shy Anderson said she was "a little embarrassed" to have to keep crossing the stage. She received several awards for having the top marks in math, chemistry and biology. And she won’t be putting that hard work to waste– Anderson left for Edmonton the very next day, to get ready to begin a lengthy post-secondary school career at the University of Alberta.
"My long-term goal is to become a doctor and work overseas," Anderson said. "But for now I’m going to get my Bachelors of Science and double major in English and Biology with hopes of getting into medical school."
Hard work pays off for students
Ron Taylor, the assistant superintendent for the Northern Lights School Division was also on hand to present a few of the awards, and he marveled at the amount of hard work that the students put in to earn such high awards. In particular, three separate $1,000 awards.
"Very seldom do we hand out the $1,000 cheques. It takes a lot of work to get to that level, and to have three winners in this graduating class is just remarkable," he said.
After the presentations were complete, and the students began to leave the hallowed halls, perhaps for the last time, Principal Moghrabi made one more plea for the students remember their roots, and come back some day.
"I'd love nothing more than to see you as alumni come back and visit us sometime, it would mean a lot to me."
