Students see things a teacher never would.
They are in the “trenches” of education, and know better what is going on in their classrooms than anyone.
So it was to the students the teachers of Rossland Secondary School turned to when the year end awards were handed out Wednesday, June 19.
Under the guidance of vice principal Mike Vanness—and whose idea it was originally—the student generated awards were handed out for the third year in a row.
Under the titles citizenship, make it happen and unsung hero, the awards were handed out to students in each grade. Using a group of students from each grade a list of nominees was generated in each grade.
The students identified the reasons for the nominations, and a suitable award for each nominee. After that, the entire student body was given the opportunity to vote for their grade’s awards.
“So when they get the award it's from their peers,” Vanness said. “It's great because they pick out stuff we never would have.”
Rather than award medals and trophies, the school chose to award gift certificates from local Rossland businesses.
The student awards were handed out June 19 in the RSS gymnasium, along with the regular school awards.
Governor General's Academic Medal
The Governor General's award is awarded annually in each secondary school in Canada. It is presented to the student who achieves the highest grade point average across his or her Grade 11 and 12 courses. This is awarded after provincial exam results are compiled, so the annual recipient is a graduate from the previous year. The Governor General's award for 2010/11 is Jill Reynolds.
Overall top service
For overall outstanding service throughout the school year: Samanta Fleming
Top athletics
Grade 6 female: Eva D'Odorico
Grade 6 male: Ethan Jang
Grade 7 female: Sophie DeRosa and Ali D'Odorico
Grade 7 male: Aaron Finke and Umar Hill
Junior female athlete: Chloe Franklin
Junior male athlete: Gav O'Shea
Senior female athlete: Kaela Zimmer, Kaycee McKinnon
Senior male athlete: Alex Stanton, Patrick Soltice
Amanda Williams Award, for most inspirational field hockey player: Jaala Derochie
Pete Bowcher Memorial Athletic Award, for overall service and commitment to sport: Annie Cameron
Boys golf: bronze at provincials.
Field hockey team: ninth in BC
Boys soccer: 13th in BC
Girls basketball: ninth in BC
Girls soccer: fourth in BC
Principal's award, based on outstanding effort and achievement throughout the year: Ali Ferguson
Grade 7 RSS honour award, based on high academic, athletics and citizenship: Ella Knight and Sianna Tomich
Student generated awards
1. Citizenship awards
The criteria for the citizenship awards are
• The students must be a positive influence on our school
• build community by bringing individuals together socially and for learning
• do the right thing for others
• share knowledge and time
• are willing to help others in school and around the community
Grade 6 — Ellie Knox. All around nice to everyone. Always happy, has a positive attitude, and does the right things for others.
Grade 7 — Tyrien Newell, Marley Lemeaux. Tyrien: Kind and considerate to everyone around her. She puts others first and makes sure others participate and she is an amazing friend and classmate. Marley: Always thinking of other people and is positive all the time. She listens to others' ideas and makes the classroom and school grounds a better place.
Grade 8 — Jane Andison. Unassuming, nice to everyone, and not a mean bone in her body.
Grade 9 — Kara Deane, Braden McKay. Kara: Helps everyone at school, helps out in the community, and is an active part of our school and town. Braden: Always bubbly and happy. He likes to talk and laugh with everyone.
Grade 10 — Arlo Stevens. Always funny and brings people together. He's kind, and a great friend to many.
Grade 11— Julia Keller. Is a big part of Interact and organized events at RSS. She helped organize the Year End BBQ yesterday.
Grade 12 — Samanta Fleming. Worked on the RSS Reads campaign, brought in many guest speakers, new library furniture, and worked hard to bring our school together,
2. Make it Happen awards
The criteria for the Make it Happen awards
• The students are the type that never give up
• make things happen even when there is little time or resources
• do not let adversity get in the way
• see a way to overcome challenges
Grade 6 — Kathryn Daines. Overcomes adversity, never gives up, and makes things happen in a quiet way.
Grade 7 — Rhiana Scott. Very hard working and completes her assignments on time and to the highest standard. In a group, she is always the one to "make it happen."
Grade 8 — Riley Cameron. Diligent, resilient, and works hard to achieve his personal goals,
Grade 9 — James Fike. Works hard to achieve his goals, looks on the bright side, and does amazing things.
Grade 10 — Clara Graves. Smart, dedicated student who always gives 100%.
Grade 11 — Joseph French, Megan Heximer. Joseph: Does a lot of volunteer work, and always be seen doing extra in the school, and is active in the community. Megan: Worked very hard this year to go to Kenya this summer to help build a school.
Grade 12 — Brogan Pastro. Works hard, especially in debate, always does the most in a group, and makes sure everyone is a part of it.
3. Unsung Hero awards
The criteria for the Unsung Hero awards are
• They are the students who work behind the scenes
• never need to be pushed to do something
• are reliable
• produce consistently high-quality work
• are willing to always improve on work
• without them, desired outcomes could not be achieved
Grade 6 — Sam Finke. Quiet, nice behind the scenes guy,
Grade 7 — Josh Smith. Extremely humble and diligent, and at times this goes unnoticed. Always lends a helping hand.
Grade 8 — Noah Demelo. Smart, Willing to share knowledge, and he helps out around the class.
Grade 9 — Maggie Chan. Always the quiet one, helps anyone and everyone behind the scenes, and gets everything done.
Grade 10 — Ali Moroney. Generally helpful person. Always tries to help in any way she can, and is there whenever you need her.
Grade 11 — Joselyn Reynolds. She helps everyone with her school work.
Grade 12 — Maddie Taylor-Gregg. Always positive, and available to help, always kind and caring to everyone.