Zoe Clarke of RR2 Elora is Centre Wellington’s 2015 Junior Citizen of the Year.
The announcement came on April 21 at Centre Wellington District High School.
Classmates, peers and fellow nominees Abigail Jarrett and Austin Cardinell were also in attendance.
Principal Beth Burns told those gathered “this year we have three nominees,” and she highlighted the accomplishments of all three students.
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton then announced Clarke as the winner.
“We had the parents here, and the students to support them,” Burns added. “It’s just a nice opportunity to celebrate Centre Wellington students in the community.”
In a letter of endorsement from Jesse Bergman, Clarke was described as not only an incredible student, but as a leader and an exceptional individual.
“But more than stellar academics, it is Zoe’s contributions to the school and her community that make her so memorable.
“In my opinion, Zoe Clarke is a role model and a natural leader, both in our school and our community. Her academic achievements are phenomenal and at times, even flawless.
“But more importantly, she dedicates her time and energy to helping others, and leading by example. Therefore, I confidently and wholeheartedly endorse Zoe as a promising individual who, given the opportunity, will undoubtedly become a global pioneer in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.”
Linton, who noted he looked at the resumes of all the nominees, said, “I’m pretty impressed. Good work to all the candidates,”
Chamber president Janet Harrop added her congratulations to Clarke as well.
“It is great to have youth so involved in the community. They are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Harrop.
She added she grew up in the area “and being involved has always been part of my life. It’s great seeing people getting involved in high school. It will set you up for the rest of your lives.”
Clarke said “thank you so much for this.” For her, the best thing was being able to help out in the community over the years.
“These are all things I love to do and when you can do it for others you really do it well.” Clarke plans to enter a pre-medical undergraduate program next year.
“I would love to be a doctor. I love to help people,” she stated.
Some of Clarke’s accomplishments include:
– team captain with Mill Ridge Pony Club (member for six years), leading groups of peers and younger members in competitions as well as assisting with competition prep and gaining knowledge of horsemanship;
– writing, directing, casting and acting in a play performed at CWDHS’s Drama and Desserts;
– member of the executive council of CWDHS Concert Band, making decisions pertaining to performances, competitions and uniforms;
– member of Elora Community Theatre, performing and helping to prepare younger cast members during rehearsals and backstage during performances;
– currently preparing for a team University of Waterloo mathematics competition;
– maintaining 98% average in Grade 12;
– highest mark in seven out of eight Grade 11 courses: university level English, physics, chemistry, biology, data management, health care, and music;
– has completed 13 University of Waterloo mathematics contests, currently preparing for two more, often finishing with the highest mark in the school and/or in the top 25% of all contestants;
– currently preparing for the Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition;
– by the end of this semester, will have completed 150% more Grade 12 courses than required;
– sings and plays music, mostly classical, on various instruments for residents of Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Facility (since December);
– volunteer with Centre Wellington Food Bank (since Grade 9) – completed close to 300 hours assisting members of the community from all walks of life, ensuring they get all the food to which they are entitled, helping with food drives and client dinners; and
– for the past six years helped set up and decorate jumps for the Fergus Fall Fair light horse show.
