Another year of high school has come and gone, unleashing a fresh crop of graduates into the world. In addition to crossing the Grade 12 finish line, a noteworthy group of students from Niverville High School ended the year by receiving valuable awards handed out by the town, local businesses and organizations, and individuals in the community.
The first prize given out at this year’s convocation was the Town of Niverville Award, given each spring to a student with a full course load and high academic standing, someone who is involved in both school and community life and plans to pursue a postsecondary education. The winner of this $1,000 award is Jayelle Doell.
Another graduate, Elin Jeong, is taking home $1,000 for the Niverville Credit Union Award, given to a student with a 75 percent average or better and who is registered for a full-time postsecondary program in the fall.
The year’s Wiens Young Leader Award goes to Jonathan Hiebert, also in the amount of $1,000. The award is intended for a well-rounded graduate who takes their studies and responsibilities seriously while maintaining an eager outlook. There is no postsecondary requirement.
The Hanover Teachers Association (HTA) Award has been given to Ashley Dumaine. This $1,000 prize is given every year to a student who maintains a high grade point average and demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership ability. They must participate in school activities, be involved in the community, and attend a postsecondary institution in the fall.
Two graduates were chosen to receive $1,000 for the Imagine Award of Excellence: Madison Trippier and Kaiella Muckosky. In addition to being seen as ambassadors of the school who volunteer and offer peer support, this award gives preference to those who intend to pursue studies focused on psychiatric and mental health, as well as those who have coped with mental health issues and thrived.
Another $1,000 prize is the Chown Centennial Scholarship, given this year to Jaxon Peters. The award is reserved for an “all round” graduate, and someone who is registered to attend the University of Manitoba full-time. The winner must achieve a minimum 85 percent average in at least five Grade 12 credits.
This year’s recipient of the Lana Dyck JOY Award is Mitchell Berens. The $1,000 award is meant to go to a student who doesn’t necessary have high marks or plan to attend college but rather shows selflessness and love to others, seeking to better people’s lives without the need for personal recognition.
Kendra Wahl has been honoured with the Andrew Grant Memorial Scholarship, also for $1,000. This scholarship targets students who intend to go to the University of Manitoba full-time, preferably to study the sciences.
The David Alan Grant Memorial Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, has gone to Levi Sigurdson. The award goes each year to a student who has an ambition to continue their studies by learning a technology trade.
This year’s winner of the $500 Niverville Firefighters Award is Dayna Funk. This prize goes to a top graduate with a full course load who demonstrates leadership and plans to either pursue postsecondary studies or go on to serve in emergency services.
Another $500 prize, the Niverville Family Chiropractic Award, has been granted to Allison Friesen, an example of a grad who exhibits excellence in character and academics and plans to continue her education.
There are two recipients of this year’s MCC Thrift Store Award, both receiving $500: Hannah Hiebert and Samantha Moffit. This bursary, to be applied towards the cost of a program that involves volunteer work or postsecondary education in general, recognizes a student who volunteers their time for the betterment of the school or community.
The BSI Insurance Award has gone to Tanarai Woytowich. This $500 award is intended for a grad with a positive outlook who shows a strong passion for service and displays good ethics.
Jordan Buys is the recipient of the Manitoba South East Golf Classic Award, for $500. This prize is given to a student who plans to study to become a first responder—whether it’s in the areas of policing, firefighting, nursing, emergency medical services, or medicine.
The Ivy Friesen Memorial Award for $500, given out each year in honour of a beloved former Niverville teacher, goes to Autumn Neufeld. The award seeks to recognize someone who is enrolled in a postsecondary program and has a positive outlook on life, someone who leads by example by demonstrating selflessness, a good work ethic, and inclusiveness.
The annual Raj Raichura Award, also for $500, goes to Brianna Ginter. This prize targets a grad who is motivated and hard-working and exhibits strength of character. They must also be heading into a postsecondary program.
A pair of graduates, Jaxon Peters and Melissa Zapp, were honoured with the Niverville Physiotherapy Athletic Award, each receiving $350. The award recognizes two athletic grads each year, a male and a female, who excel in at least two Varsity sports and are headed for a postsecondary program in the fall. The award gives preferences to those who intend to study in medicine or sports-related faculties.
This year’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Award is split between two grads, Ella Fixe and Carly Loeppky. Each have been given $250. Recipients of this award must have achieved a minimum of 75 percent in all Grade 12 courses, have good attendance, and display positive citizenship and character. The students should also be planning to pursue postsecondary education.
The $250 Ron R. Schuler Citizenship Award, granted by our local MLA, goes to Michael Katotoka. The award is intended for someone who demonstrates volunteerism, school involvement, leadership potential, honesty, perseverance, friendliness, and dependability.
And finally, there are three winners this year of the Niverville Guardian Pharmacy Chemistry Award: Melissa Zapp, Autumn Neufeld, and Allison Friesen. This award specifically goes every year to the top three graduates of Grade 12 chemistry.
