Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program celebrates 2023 graduates

(The 56 graduates of Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate School were celebrated by dignitaries, teachers, staff and family at their June 22, 2023 graduation ceremony at the Ron Maslin Theatre in Kanata. Photos: Stittsville Central)

The feeling of excitement was palpable at Ron Maslin Theatre on the evening of June 22^nd as 56 students were recognized for their hard work at Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program’s Graduation and Achievement Ceremony.

The celebration began with the graduates being led into the theatre by piper John Hogg. After a Land Acknowledgement from graduate Jessica Macleod, a slideshow featuring photos of the graduating students, and a theatre-wide singing of O Canada, the school’s Vice-Principal Caroline Kitchen welcomed the graduates and their families and friends with a touching speech, which included taking the time to share quick, kind sentiments about each student’s unique strengths and character. Before the graduates were presented with their diplomas and awards, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee Lynn Scott shared some words.

Valedictorian Casper de Montgomery delivered a speech that described why the graduation was such a special moment for everyone. “Today isn’t just about finishing high school, it’s about finishing high school with having overcome adversity. So, feel proud of yourself. While not everyone is going to understand what you’ve accomplished, if you take a step back and look at all the ups and downs, stop and yield signs, you’ll see what you’ve done and where you’ve ended up. You are a high school graduate!”

In addition to their diplomas, some students received awards to acknowledge their achievements:

The Staff Award for Excellence, given in recognition of the student who has most satisfied the expectations of staff, was presented to Owen Meeds and Rena Hajiyeva.
The Frederick Banting Award for Diligence went to Eden Samuels, Sydney Caton, and Talia Earle in recognition of their independent work ethic in academics, responsibility for learning, and respect for staff and students.
The Frederick Banting Award, created to honour the student who has successfully met challenges with determination, strength of character, and personal integrity to attain their goals, was awarded to Jessica Macleod.
The Vice-Principal’s Award, designed to recognize the student who has demonstrated the greatest personal growth and development and has served as an inspiration to both staff and students, was presented to Alex Roberts.
The Principal’s Award for Student Leadership, donated by the Ontario Principal’s Council to acknowledge a student who made a special contribution to the school through their leadership, positive attitude, and commitment, was awarded to Kaitlyn Song.
The Diversity Award was presented to Casper de Montgomery and Lily Forsyth for being active members of the Frederick Banting Diversity Group and best exemplifying the goals of the group (to celebrate individuality and to promote acceptance, equality, and respect).
The Community Bible Church Scholarship, awarded to students who are pursuing post-secondary education and have shown integrity, humility, and/or mercy, was presented to Zanti Murray and Coralie Villeneuve, providing each with a $250 scholarship.
The CFUW Kanata Bursary was presented to Erin Lilly, providing her with a $1000 bursary in recognition of her ability to work hard, her prior community involvement, and her ability to overcome great personal challenges.
The Rylie Oliver-Vinko Memorial Award, meant to honour a graduating student who best exemplifies the qualities of the award’s namesake, was presented to Savannah Miller.
The Craig Duncan Environmental Award, which celebrates a graduating student’s enthusiasm and love for nature and the environment, was presented to Tara Davis.
The Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville Award, created to honour a student who captures the essence of the rotary club’s “Service above self” motto, was presented to Alex Roberts.
The OCDSB Student Recognition Award was presented to Haya Albarakani, as chosen by the principal and vice-principal, for demonstrating her will to succeed, dedication to finish what she started, and her commitment to achieving her personal best.
The Stittsville Village Association Award for Excellence in Community Leadership, which encourages leadership in civic involvement among young Canadians and honours a student who demonstrates leadership, personal integrity, vision, a passion for their convictions, and the ability to communicate effectively, was awarded to Emma Butler.
The Sweetnam Family Award for Trades was presented to Savannah Miller for demonstrating a commitment to her studies and her involvement in the school and the community.
The Frederick Banting Arts Recognition Award, presented to the student who has demonstrated a commitment to the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program at Frederick Banting, was awarded to Amika Ducharme.
The Staff Book Award was presented to Haya Albarakani, Elgin Graham, Jenna Flanagan, and Frank Vurgun for bringing something extraordinary to Frederick Banting.
The Frederick Banting Co-operative Education Award, presented to a graduating student who has excelled in all aspect of the school’s co-op program and demonstrated a positive attitude and excellent work ethic, was awarded to Ryan Parnell.
The OYAP “Tools of the Trade” Student Bursary was presented to Zach Alldred for successfully completing CO-OP/OYAP credits in his graduating year.
The Tool Belt Award, given to the top student in a construction trade who is pursuing an OYAP apprenticeship after graduation, was presented to Kyle Farrell.
The Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal, awarded to the student who achieved the highest average upon graduation, was presented to Lucie Chase.
The OCDSB Silver Medal, awarded to students with a 90% or higher average at the end of the school year, was presented to Lucie Chase, Lily Forsyth, Rena Hajiyeva, and Owen Meeds.
The Solutions: Success for Life Award, given in recognition of outstanding achievement in a co-op placement, was awarded to Madison Mackinnon.