GUELPH – Four high school students were lauded during a recent Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting for commendable contributions to their school communities.
One VIP student was selected from each of the four high schools: Katie Strachan from St. John Bosco Catholic High School (CHS), Azahel Selomon from Our Lady of Lourdes CHS, Sarah Harrison from St. James CHS and Valerie Ikeakanam from Bishop Macdonell CHS.
The students were presented with VIP awards at a Nov. 3 school board meeting, during which trustees read out testaments about each student written by teachers and other staff at their schools.
Katie Strachan
Strachan is a Puslinch resident who is in Grade 11 and a student senator at St. John Bosco.
Staff there say she “radiates resilience, dedication and genuine care for others.
“She is constantly setting new goals for herself and courageously stepping beyond her comfort zone, showing tremendous growth and determination along the way.”
Trustee Vikki Dupuis read the report about Strachan, which said “Katie’s journey is a reflection of her hard work and hopeful spirit – she inspires others through her kindness, calm presence and selfless love.”
School staff say Strachan goes above and beyond to welcome new students, advocate for her peers and organize school events.
Strachan aims to become a nurse after graduation.
Azahel Selomon
Selomon is described as a “shining example of involvement, leadership and positivity.
“She always steps up whenever called on, often taking on behind-the-scene roles that are vital to our school community,” Our Lady of Lourdes staff state.
Selomon created a Unity Club at her high school to highlight heritage, religious and historical events.
The Grade 12 student is part of the school’s student senate, Young Black Leaders Group and Grad Committee.
Trustee Joe Tersigni read Selomon’s report and said, “What sets Azahel apart is her ability to identify what is needed and work tirelessly to make it happen.
“She connects people with opportunities, recognizes the talent of others and ensures everyone feels included.
“Her positivity is contagious, whether in the hallways classroom or team huddle,” Tersigni added.
“Azahel brings light and energy whereever she goes.”
Sarah Harrison
Harrison is in Grade 11 at St. James, where staff say students are encouraged “to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks in their academics and extra-curriculars.”
They say Harrison “embodies this spirit in all that she does.”
Harrison started attending St. James in Grade 10 and immediately joined the Black Youth Alliance.
She supports new Grade 9 students with the school’s Cub Crew, helps out on parent nights and speaks during morning announcements.
“Through her contributions, what comes through most clearly is Sarah’s humility and incredible kindness – she gives of herself for the benefit of others,” read trustee Cassandra O’Donnell.
Valerie Ikeakanam
Ikeakanam is part of Bishop Macdonell’s Black Youth Alliance, choir and musical, and school staff say she “demonstrates leadership, compassion and faith in everything she does.
“She approaches new skills and tasks with enthusiasm and vigor – she leaves any apprehension or hesitancy behind by demonstrating to her peers that it is okay to take risks and try unfamiliar things.”
Trustee Sebastian Dal Bo read Ikeakanam’s report, which described her as a “discerning believer who shares her gifts through song, faithfully participating in the choir and demonstrating a devotion to prayer in her daily life.
“Her quiet dedication and genuine humility inspire those around her,” Dal Bo added.
