LAC LA BICHE – Student athletes from JA Williams (JAWS) High School in Lac La Biche were recognized and celebrated during the school’s annual athletics banquet on June 12.
The evening got underway with students, teachers, coaches, family and friends gathering in the flex area of JAWS for food and socialization. Coaches and athletes in the junior and senior categories for volleyball, badminton, basketball and track and field were then introduced to the audience, and short speeches were given.
Each year, JAWS awards one of its student athletes with the Iron Shark Award. This designation is given to an someone who has participated in three out of four high school sports during Grades 10, 11, and 12.
Harvey Valente was the recipient of the Iron Shark Award for 2025.
Wade Coutney, a teacher at JAWS, who also works with the school’s track and field team, said the athletic banquet is important as it helps to acknowledge athletes who have worked hard throughout the year.
“It’s something that needed to be celebrated in this busy month of celebrations,” Coutney said. “We just decided to celebrate the whole athletic spirit.”
For Valente, who graduated on June 14 with the JAWS class of 2025, winning the Iron Shark Award felt good. Throughout his years in high school, Valente participated in volleyball, badminton, basketball, and track and field.
“It’s pretty special,” Valente said. “Maybe I can be an inspiration for younger kids too.”
As far as his plans post-graduation, Valente will be attending Portage College this fall to study power engineering. He’s also hoping to land a spot on the college’s golf team.
