Michael Wollert Art Award
Saira Cooke
Presented by Tania Unguran
When Saira Cooke first walked into the art studio in grade 10, she was immediately hard on herself, proclaiming that she couldn’t draw. She struggled with her confidence as an artist in grade 10, and I was worried that it would bleed into her Art 20 program. Thankfully, it didn’t, and she started seeing her creativity in a different light, and was more open to exploring her ideas and media. I remember the first time she explored knife painting and the excitement she expressed regarding how free it was for her. That was the moment that everything changed for Saira, and the paintbrush was pushed aside. In her Art 30 portfolio, Saira explored painting with her fingers…actually her whole hand, along with bright and vibrant colors muted against a dark black canvas. If you watched her paint, it appeared like she was lost in another world, only checking in to say “Wow, I am finished!”. She loved working on a large scale and always felt comfortable having her peers or even random strangers watch her while she painted. She was very open to constructive criticism and welcomed any opportunity to give guidance or ideas to her peers. She played a large contributing role in making last years’ Evening of the Arts such a huge success, by helping other artists set up their exhibitions with suggestions and guidance. For Saira, being an artist was about exploring emotion through colour…about telling a story that only those with a creative and open heart could follow. There is no one more deserving than Saira for the Michael Woollett Art Award
Maia Reinking Art Award & District Fine Arts Award
Jasleen Kahlon’s passion in her art focused on her play with colour and brushwork with a focus on representing “Royalty” as her Art 30 Theme. She always walked into the studio after a weekend, lugging a large canvas or a piece of artwork that she had worked on and finished. When it came to her Art 30 show, she took up a large chunk of the rotunda, but every other artist expected it. Her fellow classmates were always excited to see a new piece from her and to hear the story behind it. Jasleen never backed away from challenging herself with mixed media, and if something didn’t quite work, she would whitewash it and start all over. Nothing phased her, and I was in such awe watching her giggle when she was working on a piece, or hear the excitement in her voice when she was describing a technique or specific piece she had planned. Her workbook…actually both of them were jammed packed with ideas, reflections and experimentation with an assortment of media. Oh, and I forgot to mention that because of timetable issues in grade 11, she challenged the Art 20 and 30 curriculums at the same time. Jasleen was always open to constructive criticism and was very willing to offer support and ideas to her peers. Back in June, one of Jasleen’s paintings called “Jungal” was selected as one of the top three art awards given at The Edmonton Works Festival, and was on exhibit at various locations in the city over the summer. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to teach her these past two years and to be giving her the Maia Reinking art award. Jasleen is also presented with this year's District Fine Arts Award.
Curricular Drama Award
Ashlyn Osborne
Presented by Hilary Forde
Ashlyn is one of the most responsible and dedicated students that I have ever taught. She embodies the spirit of what is expected of a Harry Ainlay student and a Drama student. She is a leader and respected by her peers for her thoroughness and kindness to others. Ashlyn worked hard in Drama and in advanced Acting. She was always on task and willing to put herself out there for her cast members and when she was directing she took on a very difficult play to challenge herself. She never turned away from hard work and willingly went that extra mile. It is my great pleasure to award Ashlyn the curricular drama award.
Co-Curricular Drama Award
Ethan Colp
Presented by Hilary Forde
Ethan was always working in the background on the technical side of theatre. He is great at organizing the backstage and is always there to help out. Ethan went the extra mile on all of his assignments even when he was so busy with full IB. Not an easy task for anyone. Ethan is inclusive and genuine in his care for everyone. I could always count on Ethan to work within a group and have the group come up with very creative projects. I know that Ethan will go far in life and I look forward to seeing the journey. It is my pleasure to award Ethan Colp the co curricular drama award.
Technical Theatre Award
Kira Kottke
Presented by Hilary Forde
It is a pleasure to present this award to Kira who volunteered her time to the Titan Technical Theatre Program. Kira was very dedicated to our program and displayed exceptional Stage Management skills. Kira was always pleasant to work with and had a calmness about her that kept everyone at ease. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
W.O. McLean Mathematics Award
Aida Radu
Presented by Fred Kong
The W.O. McLean Scholarship and Trophy is presented this year to a Harry Ainlay graduate whose accomplishment will never be topped by any other student in the years to come. In a nutshell, this year’s recipient achieved perfection, attaining 100% in both Math 30-1 and Math 31. The difficulty of such a feat is better appreciated if you consider the fact that in order for another student to equal this accomplishment, that student would need to be flawless on approximately 34 assessments including the diploma exam, or error-free on approximately 500 test questions, many of which were complex and required deep analytical thinking. I was fortunate to have taught Aida Radu, a student whose natural talent and strong work ethic were second to none. While this award recognizes Aida’s academic achievement, perhaps more importantly I would also like to recognize her for her character. A responsible and respectful person who is kind and generous, Aida Radu is a true Titan. Congratulations on your achievement Aida and best wishes for your future!
Zuberbuhler Physics Award
Andrew Ho &
Janukan Sivajeyan
Presented by Dean Zuberbuhler
This year, I am proud to present the Zuberbuhler Physics award to two amazing students. Andrew Ho and Janukan Sivajeyan. The Zuberbuhler Physics award is given out to the student with the highest overall physics mark after blending the in class and diploma results. This is an impressive accomplishment. Not only were they able to score 100% on their class marks, they also earned 100% on their diploma exams.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach Andrew Physics 30. Andrew was a very studious, responsible, intelligent and hardworking student.
Mr. Visser taught Janukan Physics 30IB and had the following to say:
Janukan is a very calm, conscientious and brilliant student!! He scored a seven in HL physics which for the first time through a new program is outstanding. On top of that he is simply a nice, humble young man.
Both of these students have a very natural and easy understanding of Physics. They were able to grasp the most complex ideas with little effort. This is something few students can do in physics. Congratulations to Janukan and Andrew.
Robert Herzberg Chemistry Award
Eric Chao &
Aida Radu
Presented by Rob Martens
I am very pleased to be offering this student the Robert Hertzberg Chemistry Award!
He has received a standing of "Honours with Distinction" in all three years that he attended at Harry Ainlay- meaning that his average was above 90%! He also attained a chemistry mark of 100% in class and 100% on his diploma exam!! He is hard working, organized, he catches on to concepts quickly and his questions are always very well thought-out. He works well with others and is a model student!! You couldn’t find a nicer guy to win this award: while at Ainlay he mentored grade 10 students easing their transition to high school, and he spent time at Edmonton Public libraries teaching young children to read! He’s Smart, hard working, and nice!
It is with great pleasure that I present the Robert Hertzberg Chemistry award to Eric Chao!
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It is my pleasure to congratulate Aida Radu with her outstanding achievements in Chemistry 30. Aida was a very motivated and driven young lady in chemistry last year. She asked many thoughtful and challenging questions, looking for a complete understanding of all concepts taught in high school chemistry. During the semester, Aida achieved a mark of 100% on all assignments, quizzes, labs, unit exams, and the diploma exam. This is an absolutely amazing accomplishment! Congratulations Aida, on achieving a final course mark of 100% in Chemistry 30!
Harry Ainlay Biology Award
Aida Radu
Presented by Rob Martens
Aida was an exceptional student. Her ability to understand information and extend it to new situations was outstanding. She constantly learned content beyond the curriculum on her own and she was able to use this to create an incredibly well rounded understanding of all the parts of the course.
Oliver Lantz Science Award
Carlina Allegretto
Presented by Rob Martens
Carlina Allegretto is this year's Science 30 Oliver Lantz award recipient. During the 2015/16 school year, Carlina showed how important dedication and perseverance are to achieving your goals. She was a regular at HALO classes in order to get help on science concepts and to go over unit exams and old diploma exams. Whether it was reading ahead to understand what would be covered in that days class, or coming in for further clarification in areas she was still learning, Carlina would rarely miss an opportunity for help. In class, Carlina would often be helping her neighbours or offering help to others in small groups if they were having problems with new concepts. She understood that the best way to show your mastery of a concept is the ability to teach it to someone else. Please join me in congratulating Carlina Allegretto on receiving her award.
Raymond Webb Social Studies Award
Aida Radu
Presented by Dave Lissinna
It is October of 2016, and we sit on the verge of an historic event. The first woman is poised to become the President of the United States. Maybe soon we will also see a female Secretary-General of the United Nations, or another female serve as Canada’s Prime Minister. Maybe even some day there will be a female Superintendent of Education with Edmonton Public Schools.
I would like to put forward a candidate for any and all of those jobs: Aida Radu. Aida is the recipient of the Raymond Webb Award as Harry Ainlay’s most outstanding Social Studies student for the class of 2016.
Aida has all the qualities anyone would want in a student, in a friend and in a leader in our world. She is passionate and principled. She is well informed, well read and incredibly intelligent. Aida was in my period 4 Social 30-1 class last year, and her and some classmates had a period 3 class near my room, so each class they would arrive to my room quite early, and would commence to have the most amazing discussions about important issues. I just sat back and marveled at what her and Jasleen and Anusha and a few others would talk about. I promise they were not comparing make-up removers or arguing over which video game was the best. Their discussions were detailed thoughtful examinations of national and international issues. Those young ladies need to become our future leaders, and in the middle of all this was always Aida.
Aida’s marks speak for themselves. She is a great writer and has a terrific understanding of complex concepts. Her academic accomplishments need to be celebrated – she should be recognized as a great Titan – but in my opinion the most important thing about Aida is her compassion. She always spoke up for those who could not defend themselves – either in class discussions or in simple conversations with her peers. She did this in such a polite and respectful manner, that I challenge you to find someone who did not feel better about themselves after spending even a moment with Aida.
I don't know where Aida will be in 10 or 20 years, but I know I will be sitting back and telling people “I knew her when …”.
Aida – we need you! We need you to become a great scientist or a great writer or the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Whatever it is you do, please don't ever lose your spirit and thirst for knowledge that makes you an amazing person.
Thank you and congratulations!
Physical Education Award
Walter Bonilla
Presented by Suzanne Fuller
Walter Bonilla is this years top Physical Education Student. Walter did an incredible job as a PE 30 student. His positive attitude and hard work turn him into a natural leader in class. He is an outstanding athlete who always made everyone feel welcome in class. His character is impeccable too, and this all adds up to a young man who is the top Physical Education 30 Student at Harry Ainlay for 2015-2016. Congratulations Walter!
Health & Wellness Award
Olivia Hoeppner
Presented by Suzanne Fuller
This student has demonstrated a commitment to health and wellness throughout her time at Harry Ainlay. She stands out as an engaged learner, an ethical citizen of our school community and an inspirational, entrepreneurial young woman.
As an athlete, she has participated on the Harry Ainlay Swim team, and achieved the Bronze Cross and CPR certification. While playing soccer on the Senior Girls team and completing both Physical Education 30 and Sports Performance 35 she has distinguished herself as an enthusiastic, bright, responsible student who is attentive in class and "always has a smile on her face. Quoting her teachers: She is also "intelligent, positive and hardworking," and "always kind to her peers and our school staff." She is an avid runner, participating in the "Run for the Cure" race this past fall and other running events in the Edmonton area. She keeps a regular workout routine of 4-5 times a week in the Harry Ainlay Fitness Centre or the YMCA
This student has a strong sense of compassion and desire to serve the community. She Volunteers with the "Little Bits" program run by the Therapeutic Riding Association where she teaches children to ride horses. She is also involved in her church and even makes time to have a job!
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It is with great pleasure that I announce that this year’s district health and wellness award recipient is Olivia Hoeppner!
Math, Science, & Technology Award & Kinsmen Award
Andrew Ho
Presented by Suzanne Fuller
This student has consistently demonstrated that he is an engaged learner and thinker throughout his academic career at Harry Ainlay. He had one of the highest averages of the graduating class of 2016 and excelled in all his subjects, especially Math and Sciences. His teachers describe him as intelligent, thoughtful, curious and insightful! He was a leader in his English class- literally leading his class in a lesson! He is naturally helpful to other students in science classes and where is consistently scored marks in the high 90s.
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This student has demonstrated a strong sense of citizenship by volunteering on LINK Crew, TVT as CoChair, Tri-Prov, the Titans Athletic Board, team Jumpstart to collect donations for underprivileged kids and the Roadrunners Club which involves reading to elementary students once per week.
In pursuit of a career in the medical sciences, he is passionate about volunteering at the TLC Family Medical Clinic – alongside assisting with taking patients’ blood pressure and weight, cleaning examination rooms, and entering data and records, he says that he loves getting first-hand experience into a day in the life of a family
physician.
It is my pleasure to present the Math Science and Technolgy Award to Andrew Ho
Due to the tremendous dedication to community service, Andrew was also honoured with the Kinsmen Salute to Youth Scholarship last Spring where he received a cheque for $1000. It is our pleasure to also be honouring him today with the presentation of the official plaque from the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton. Congratulations Andrew!
Menzies English Award
Aida Radu
Presented by Rhonda Reed
Aida Radu was an outstanding student in English Language Arts 30-1. In everything she did, whether it was an assignment on a poem or a critical essay on a novel, her work was of superb calibre. She thinks deeply, writes articulately, is thorough beyond all expectations, and never falters in her commitment to excellence. This is why Aida finished English 30-1 with a class-awarded mark of 100%. A truly remarkable student and human being, Aida is very deserving of the Menzies award for top ELA 30-1 student.
Spanish as a Second Language Award
Harnaaz Hundal
Presented by Aimie Sedens
It’s always a pleasure to work with a student who is motivated to learn a language to help further enrich their High School experience. Something really rewarding happens when that motivation is evident throughout the whole length of that student’s high school career. Throughout her three years at Harry Ainlay, this student has demonstrated an excellent commitment in all aspects of language learning. With her outstanding dedication to conversation practice, grammar acquisition and project completion, Harnaaz Hundal completed her final year at Harry Ainlay with a perfect standing and is this year’s Spanish Award recipient.
German as a Second Language Award
Noah Depner
Presented by Aimie Sedens
Noah Depner was surrounded by German growing up: however, this did not diminish his drive and determination to learn as much German as possible during his 3 years at Ainlay. Noah is a creative, hard-working student with a great sense of humour mixed with kindness and gentleness. Noah consistently maintained an honours average in all three years of German, receiving numerous book prizes from the German Federal Government, and achieved a final mark of 91% in German 30. Also in his final year, Noah completed the Sprachdiplom 1 exam and achieved an amazing B1 level of proficiency in only 3 years. Congratulations Noah on your outstanding achievement!
French as a Second Language Award
Cindy Hong
Presented by Aimie Sedens
Cindy was a wonderful addition to my French as a second language class. She was always eager to practice every new concept and was typically the first student to attempt a new skill in front of her peers. She was always motivated to strive for her personal best. She was a model French as a second language learner who many tried to emulate.
As a side note, for the entire time I taught Cindy she sat in the front row. Early this fall, Cindy returned to her front row seat eager to share with me the news that she is pursuing French at the University of Alberta. Another proud moment as her teacher and evidence that she truly embodies the qualities required to be this award recipient.
Congratulations Cindy!
Japanese as a Second Language Award
Brett Wickware
Presented by Aimie Sedens
Brett Wickware is a passionate learner of the Japanese language and culture. During his time at Harry Ainlay he demonstrated excellence in Japanese language proficiency and in cultural competence. Like all students entering into the Japanese program, Brett knew very little Japanese. But in three years , he became a fluent Japanese speaker capable of reading and writing the very complex Japanese writing system. His mark in all three years of Japanese were in the high ninties. He by far exceeded the curriculum requirements for Japanese 30. Brett showed his dedication to learning Japanese by not only excelling at what was taught in class, but also by learning on his own. In his grade 11 and 12 years, Brett participated in our Alberta High School Japanese Language Contest. He did very well in both.
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Despite the challenges it would pose for his grade 12 year, Brett went on the Hokkaido exchange to study at a Japanese high school for nine weeks. While there he set his mind to learning as much Japanese as possible and so he refused to use any English at all. When I went to visit him at his school in Japan he only used Japanese during my interview with him. In all of my years in working with the exchange, I never had a student who did this. I was amazed at how good his Japanese was. Brett also learned the intricacies of the Japanese interpersonal communication. He learned to recognize and use the subtle nonverbal cues that are so very important in Japanese culture. While in Japan, he began to act and talk like a Japanese person.
Even after coming back from the exchange, Brett continued to communicate with me in Japanese and even his emails to me were in Japanese. He continued to study Japanese outside of class and he took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Only the most accomplished students of Japanese 30 would attempt level N4 instead of the easier N5, but Brett challenged himself and passed the even higher level N3. Even at university, Brett continues to study Japanese. He is now taking third year level Japanese in his first year at the University of Alberta.
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As you can see, during Brett’s three years of Harry Ainlay he has proved that he is very deserving of the Harry Ainlay Japanese Language Award.
Méritas de l'Immersion Française
Ethan Haluza-Delay
Accepted by Susan Haluza
Presented by Gabrielle Engli
This year’s recipient is Ethan Haluza-Delay. Ethan is a wonderful student that demonstrates what it means to be a French Immersion Titan. Ethan was a pleasure to have in class because he was hard working, asked lots of questions and always tried to immerse himself in French culture. He showed this by taking biology, math, physics, social studies and chemistry in French, speaking in French during class, participating in the DELF exam and in our France exchange program, where he spent 4 weeks in Grenoble, France. By being on the exchange, Ethan was a pioneer in what we hope will become a strong program between the two schools. His willingness to share his experience as a French Immersion student as well as his great personality has been greatly appreciated by everyone in the school. Félicitations Ethan!
French Language Arts Award
Dante Chan
Presented by Gabrielle Engli
Dante Chan a student of the French Immersion program, is known as a quiet young man who succeeded well academically in all his subjects because he had high expectations of himself, was highly motivated and curious. Dante was always well-prepared, attentive, collaborative, and took responsibility for his learning. For example he ensured he was always caught up on work missed due to swim tournaments. Dante was enrolled in French Language Arts 30 IB, taking on the extra demands of an IB course. His writing showed thoughtful ideas and care. He was eager to implement new language skills which was evident in his spoken French. Dante is a true model for this award.
CTS Construction Award
Luke Wesley
Presented by Brent Cox
Tonight it is my pleasure to present the award for individual achievement in Construction 30, highlighting the relationship between education and industry. This award encourages students to achieve excellence in construction 30 at Harry Ainlay. Luke Wesley demonstrated what hard work and dedication to a course should look like. Completing Construction 30 last year, Luke successfully furnished his bedroom with a maple 5-drawer dresser, which exemplified his knowledge of workshop safety, craftsmanship, and excellence in Construction. During the year Luke emerged as a leader, by assisting others and contributing to a class dynamic that elevated the quality of work being done. While maintaining industry standards of safety, Luke developed a strong sense of identity as a student capable of over achieving. Luke has demonstrated the necessary qualities to warrant being recognized as the top Construction 30 student this year.
CTS Cosmetology
Award
Sierra Cabral
Presented by Shirley Rainbow
This year’s recipient, Sierra Cabral modelled exemplary skills in Cosmetology over the past 2 years. She came into the program with a passion for hairstyling and strong leadership skills. Her desire to grow and learn has surpassed expectations of the course. Her outstanding eye for detail and problem solving skills allowed her to meet with many successes. Sierra’s hard work due to a strong work ethic and determination have helped her achieve a high average and will assist her in developing a very successful future as a hairstylist.
CTS Communication Technology Award
Dominique Riddell
Presented by Shirley Rainbow
Every year, I look at my new group of excited, eager 125 or so grade 10 students and wonder whom amongst the many carries something extra. And without fail, by the end of the year, that bit of special talent appears. In grade 11, that student takes more ownership of different learning opportunities, and by grade 12, I am looking for ways to FAIL that student because his or her absence leaves a noticeable void in the Communication Technology program. Or maybe I want to fail that student because I have been blessed by that student’s character, and I realize how much I will miss that student.
This year’s Communication Technology award goes to Dominique Riddell. Over the last three years, Dominique dedicated many hundreds of hours improving her video production competence. Many times, Dominique would take home the Macbook and spend countless extra-curricular hours tweaking and adjusting video clips, adding and subtracting sound bites, and constantly exporting a finished product that had an element of professionalism every single time. Her body of work includes a Remembrance Day Ceremony video to show the greater community how Ainlay students show respect, an awards video to show hundreds of grade 11 and grade 12 students, a promo video that is taken around the world to showcase what Edmonton Public Schools has to offer for International Students, and the list goes on and on of Dominique’s video creations, each geared appropriately and professionally to the intended audience.
Even more important than her technical competence is her character. She is blessed with a certain disposition that graces quiet confidence with a constant smile. Dominique really is one of those people one always wants to have on one’s team! So I am very proud to choose a most incredibly deserving recipient for this year’s Communication Technology award. Dominique, thank-you for making this decision such an easy one. Oh, and I double-checked your transcript. You only have 99 credits, and will need to return to Ainlay for one more semester!
CTS Design Studies Career & Life Pathways Award
Kevin Mak
Presented by Neil Mazur
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Kevin was unfortunately unable to be present tonight to accept his award.
The Career and Life Pathways Award recipient must be academically strong overall and demonstrate excellent academic achievement in such areas as business, information technology, communication and design. This student graduated achieving Honours with Distinction and showed a passion for architecture and design. He has produced designs for duplexes, apartment buildings, as well as a computer lab at Harry Ainlay. He has outstanding character, commitment to community service and is an engaging thinker and learner. It is with great pleasure that I announce that this year’s winner of the district Career and Life Pathways Award is Kevin Mak.
Kevin Mak is an extremely strong student, demonstrating excellence in all of his studies: Chemistry 30 - 98%, Math 31 99%, Biology 30 - 98%, English 30-1 82%, Social Studies 30-1 90%. In addition to these stellar grades, Mr. Mak has a passion and a talent for design specifically in connection with architecture. He has completed Grade 12 Design Project Modules wherein he has completed projects including: house designs, triplexes, as well as classroom layout for some of the renovations happening at Harry Ainlay, with all designs notable for their aesthetic appeal. Mr. Mak has completed a total of 5 independent design projects under the guidance of Mr. Mazur. Mr. Mak showed immense creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in his endeavour to re-design a computer lab here at Harry Ainlay and this has been submitted as a potential design when we engage in renovations during the 2016-2017 school year. In addition to the above, Mr. Mak is clearly an engaged thinker and learner. Aside from outstanding results in academics, he has played competitive table tennis for many years, has achieved his Bronze Cross in swimming, is CPR certified, and has acquired Water Safety Instructor Certification. Evidence of Mr. Mak's ethical citizenship, is his willingness to volunteer in the Harry Ainlay student community in connection with Open House, and Festival of Trees. In addition to all of the achievements outlined above, Mr. Mak also holds a job at All Season Drugs and is employed as Swimming Instructor with Edmonton Parks and Recreation.
CTS Fashion Studies Award
Stephanie Gariepy
Presented by Terri-Lynn Hyland
The Fashion Studies award winner for this year is Stephanie Gariepy. Stephanie demonstrated a strong talent in garment construction. She took pride in her work and chose and designed projects that challenge her and help her to grow. Stephanie worked as a member of a group of 3 students who designed and sewed a collection of clothes that was showcased at Kingsway mall as part of the ready to Shine Fashion show. Stephanie is studying at the University of Alberta in Human Ecology with the Major of Clothing, textiles and Material culture.
Governor General's Academic Medal & Harry Ainlay School Trust
Aida Radu
Presented by Gane Olsen
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The governor general of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students. For more than 140 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs. Our winner this year will also be presented with the Harry Ainlay Trust Scholarship in the amount of $750! The Harry Ainlay trust scholarship is given to the student who achieves the highest average in all three years of high school.
It is therefore with great pleasure that I present these two awards to Aida Radu!