PECI honours achievements and successes of more than 150 graduates

Parents jostle for position to take photographs of the graduates receiving diplomas at PECI’s graduation Thursday night.

Proud parents, guardians, family members and friends applauded the achievements and successes of more than 150 PECI students who received secondary school graduation diplomas Thursday night during graduation ceremonies held at the Prince Edward Community Centre.

Valedictorian Jeff Finnegan

Valedictorian Jeff Finnegan highlighted the journey through high school and into the future in his address. He compared graduating to getting a driver’s licence – feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief, but knowing the experience and challenges are yet to come.

“I am sure there will be traffic jams and fender benders and road closures along the way but that is all just part of the journey and part of the challenge,” he said. “We will have to make judgement calls and decisions about which road to take next.  Most of those roads lead us closer to our destination, others can take us off course, significantly delaying our arrival and some take us past the point of no return.”

The class of 2012, he said, would arrive in style despite the challenges.

“Our parents, our teachers and this community have prepared us well for this journey and I am certain when challenged we will make the right decisions.”

Finnegan humourously reflected on accomplishments, activities and relationships over the past four years “but the thing we have to realize is, change is a part of life and all things must come to an eventual end in order to make room for new experiences. There is no use in denying or fighting it, we simply have to learn to embrace change as scary as it may be. The way I like to look at it is; no matter what happens no one can take away from us all the remarkable memories we have made during our time here at PECI.”

“When contemplating about what I was going to say in this speech, I came to the realization of why our school is truly so awesome. The letters in PECI can be rearranged to spell EPIC, and EPIC can be further utilized as an acronym for “Every Person Is Crucial”.  I feel this really is the essence of what our school is all about.  We aren’t just an educational facility, we really are a close-knit community.”

Staying on course for the next phase of the journey may not be an easy task, Finnegan said, noting it is like the flight of an airplane.

“The pilots have to file a flight plan before the plane takes off.  They know exactly where they want to go and how to get there.  But during course of the flight wind, rain, turbulence, other air traffic and, yes, human error continually take the plane off course.  Feedback mechanisms send data to the plane’s computer system and constant adjustments are made.  In fact, if you study the flight path of a 747 on any given flight you will find that it is actually off course 90 per cent of the time yet it somehow lands precisely at its predetermined point.

“My message to you as you embark on this journey is “do not get discouraged”.  You are going to be off track a lot of the time but that’s okay because the hope lies not in the deviations, but in the vision, the plan and the ability to get back on track time and time again.”

To the delight of his audience, Finnegan finished his speech with a hand-clapping rap.

Graduates line up behind the stage to await their turn to receive their diploma in front of their fellow students, friends, family members and guardians.

PECI’s top academic student, Quinn Abram, received numerous awards, among them, the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal for highest academic standing. Cassidy Allison was named the year’s best all-round student, receiving the George Elson Memorial Award.

Thirty-four students were named Ontario Scholars, having earned a graduating average of 80 per cent or higher in six Grade 12 courses: (**2011 graduates)
ABRAM, Quinn Harrison, ALLISON, Cassidy Leigh, BOWLBY, Aaron James Edward**, BUCKLEY, Cassandra Emily Colleen, CAMERON, Marianne Elize, CLAPP, Emily, CLARK, Jacob Cameron**, DALEY-LEAVITT, Jasper Carter Mildred, FINNEGAN, Jeffery Patrick, FORSYTH, Leila Zohreh, FRASER, Carling Nicole, GREER, Brady Paul, HEFFERNAN, Melissa Patricia Anne, HOLLAND, Richard Bruce, HOPE, Brandon Daniel Keith, JONES, Jessica Elizabeth, KOZMANUK, Kari Nicole, KUIPERS, Scott James**, LACEY, Brandon William, LOCKYER, Natalie Anne Leighton, MAY, Kali Elizabeth, MIDDLETON, Geoffrey Donald James Stewart, MILLER, Adam Dale, MITCHELL, Colt Cyle, NORRIS, Katie Ruth, OSTRANDER, Kristine Bobi-Jo**, POWERS, Brittany Dawn, SHANNON, Kaitlin Angeline, STANTON, Sarah Margaret, STENHOUSE, Alison Kay, STORMS, Brianna Lee Kaitlyn**, THOMPSON, Robyn Michelle, WOODALL, Graeme Michael and  YOUNG, Kelsey Celeste.

BURSARIES AND PRIZES (*Indicates a Fall award presentation **2011 graduates)
Governor General’s Academic Medal
(for highest academic standing)
Quinn Abram

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students
(for exemplary volunteer involvement within the community)
Miranda Miller

The Daryl Kramp Citizenship Award
(for good citizenship)
Cassidy Allison

Highline Produce Limited Award
(for a student with the highest average in six grade 12 university entrance level courses)
Quinn Abram

Margaret T. Halkett Award
(for a student with the highest average in six grade 12 university entrance level courses)
Quinn Abram

ESSROC Canada Inc. Award
(for a student with high standing proceeding  to university or college in engineering)
Jasper Daley-Leavitt

Ira Sharpe Memorial Award
(for a deserving student who has shown exemplary determination & perseverance in the school community)
Kyle Till

Canadian Federation of University Women, Picton & District Scholarship
(for a female graduate proceeding to university who is a top student and has demonstrated independence, self-motivation, a spirit of enquiry, and a zest for knowledge)
Cassandra Buckley

Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW)
Belleville and District Scholarship (for students of high academic standing, proceeding directly to post-secondary
studies and who exhibit a commitment to learning and community involvement)
Cassidy Allison
Marianne Cameron

The Spencer Scholarship Fund
(for strong oral communication skills in the arts)
Benjamin See

The Bernice Drummond Memorial Art Award
(for outstanding achievement in art)
Katie Norris

Drummond Bequest
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to the University of Toronto)
Carling Fraser

McCabe Scholarship
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to the University of Toronto)
Geoffrey Middleton

Keitha Gilbert Award for Music
(for a student showing leadership in the music program)
Katie Norris

Prince Edward Horticultural Society Award
(for a deserving graduate pursuing post-secondary studies in horticulture)
Graham Walt

Kinsmen Club of Picton Scholarship
(for a deserving student proceeding to university or college)
Colt Mitchell

Johan DeRoche Kinette Memorial Bursary
(for a deserving graduate pursuing post-secondary studies with distinguished service to both school and community)
Kristine Ostrander**

Prince Edward Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Award
(for graduating students proceeding to post-secondary studies in health sciences)
Natalie Lockyer
Alison Stenhouse

Lesley Westervelt Memorial Bursary
(for a deserving female student pursuing a career in nursing or a related field, who has been actively involved in athletics)
Stacy Williams

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Foundation Award
(for a deserving student proceeding to study Gerontology)
Meghan Wanamaker

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Foundation Maureen Finnegan Award
(for a graduating student who has made outstanding contributions to the community)
Kassandra Robinson

The CUPE Award
(for a deserving student proceeding to post-secondary studies)
Melinda Handley

OSSTF Student Recognition Award
(for a graduating student who excels in citizenship, academics and extra-curricular activities)
Marianne Cameron

Wilkinson and Company Award
(for superior academic performance by a graduating student continuing his or her education in business, economics, or commerce at university)
Adam Miller

Clare McFaul Memorial Award
(for a deserving graduate who demonstrates community leadership and has excelled in the P.E.C.I. Entrepreneurship program)
Ashley Harvey

Harry P. Slaven Memorial Award
(for a deserving graduate pursuing studies at a community college in technology)
Troy Blakely

Collision Prevention Driving School Award
(for deserving graduates proceeding to an apprenticeship)
Brandon Rorabeck
Travis Scott

Bayfield Award
(for a deserving student going on to Loyalist, St. Lawrence, or Sir Sanford Fleming College in a course preparing her/him
to work with children and youth)
Jocelyn Wilson

The Eric Reynolds Accounting Award
(for a university-bound student pursuing business/commerce)
Adam Miller

Ontario Principals’ Council Award for Student Leadership
(for a deserving graduate chosen by the principal)
Cassidy Allison
Jessica Jones

The Loyalist College Board of Governors Entrance Scholarship
(for an outstanding graduate proceeding to Loyalist College)
Katie Norris

Ontario WCTU Award
(for a deserving student who has been an asset to the school community, maintained a satisfactory academic record, and has been actively involved in a Christian youth group)
Krystyna Houston

Hanna Family Memorial Bursary ~Sponsored by Picton Alternatives for Women~
(for a deserving student proceeding to post-secondary studies in Health Services)
Bobby-Jo Cooke

Thomas Kinney Memorial Scholarship
(for a student with high standing in grade 12 university entrance level courses)
Jessica Jones

Helen M. Hubbs M.A. Memorial Award
(for a deserving student proceeding to post-secondary studies)
Adam Miller

Alex Lipson Scholarship
(for a deserving student with high standing)
Brittany Powers

Lance Nethery Memorial Bursary ~Presented by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 78~
(for a student demonstrating marked scholarship)
Kali May

Bob Skitteral Memorial Bursary ~ Presented by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 78~
(for a student demonstrating marked scholarship)
Nicole White

Ed Horton Scholarship ~ Presented by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 78~
(for students demonstrating marked scholarship and giving noteworthy service to the school and community)
Cassandra Buckley

Picton Legion Branch 78 Humanitarian Award
(for a deserving graduate pursuing a career in medicine or nursing)
Rebecca Butts

The Mary Phoenix Achievement Award
(for a graduating student who has diligently persevered in his/her efforts to graduate from high school)
Kayla Paradis

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute Award
(for a deserving student who resides in Prince Edward County and is pursuing post-secondary studies)
Miranda Miller

Prince Edward County Construction Association Award
(for deserving graduates pursuing post-secondary studies and/or a career in the construction industry)
Thomas Burris-O’Malley
Brandon Crawford

Wellington Lions’ Club Citizenship Award
(for students who best exemplify the Lions’ Club objectives)
Mitchell Spencer
Stacy Williams

Picton Kiwanis Communication Award
(for a deserving student who will be studying communications)
Ryan Moore**

Chris Lockyer Memorial Award ~Donated by the Kiwanis Club~
(for a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the music program at P.E.C.I.)
Katie Norris

The J.J. Biedermann Memorial Scholarship
(for a graduating student studying French at university)
Natalie Lockyer

Herb Pliwischkies Memorial Award
(for a deserving student proceeding to post-secondary studies or apprenticeship as a Manufacturing Engineering Technician)
Michael Farmer

The County Theatre Group Award
(for a deserving, graduating arts student)
Benjamin See

The Y.H. Wong Memorial Award
(for a graduating student who has achieved one of the top academic averages in his/her graduating class)
Katie Norris

Melissa Coghlan Memorial Award
(for a deserving student who has faced adversity with courage)
Jessica Wilton

The Nancy Etmanski Citizenship Award
(for a deserving graduate who has demonstrated exemplary citizenship)
Lucas VanCott

The MacGyver Daubney Memorial Award
(for a graduate who has met life’s challenges on his/her way to this accomplishment)
Daniel Terpstra

Richard Sutton Memorial Bursary
(for a deserving student who is entering university to study a social science)
Brianna Storms**

Naval Marine Archive Award
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to a college museum curator program or university studies in history or art history)
Ashley Denison

The Rotary Club Loyalist College Bursary
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to Loyalist College)
Daniel Thompson
Meghan Wanamaker

The Rotary Club Citizenship Awards
(for graduating students who have made a significant contribution to school and community)
Jeffery Finnegan
Abigail Pickard
Sarah Stanton

The Rotary/Stark Foundation Awards
(for deserving graduates proceeding to post-secondary studies)
Richard Holland
Brandon Lacey
Geoffrey Middleton
Sharon Oliphant
Elisha Sallans

Pete Fleck Memorial Award for Culinary Arts
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to post-secondary studies in culinary arts)
Miranda Miller

Picton Clinic Pharmacy Award
(for a deserving student who has demonstrated a solid work ethic and a desire to be successful)
Will Austin-MacMillan

The Edith & J.L. Ross and Jean Ross Woodsworth Scholarship ~donated by the Wellington United Church~
(for a female graduate pursuing a career in social justice or in the helping professions)
Marianne Cameron

Consecon/Carrying Place United Church AOTS Men’s Club Student Bursary
(for a student who has demonstrated a spirit of volunteering through community
service and whose vocational goal is focused on serving the humanities)
Leila Forsyth

Consecon Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch Scholarship
(for a graduating female who has excelled in academics and athletics and has demonstrated outstanding citizenship)
Rachel Harrison

Sandra M. Hall Nursing Award
(for a deserving graduate pursuing post-secondary studies in an Ontario college or university leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing)
Alison Stenhouse

Lloyd Seeley Memorial Bursary
(for a deserving graduating student with notable service to school and community, particularly with the P.E.C.I. Panther Help math tutoring program)
Quinn Abram

Order of the Eastern Star Award
(for a deserving graduating student with distinguished service to church and community)
Chelsea Cromwell

Joe Eberwein Environmental Stewardship Scholarship
(for a student going on to post-secondary education in resource management, ecotourism, arboriculture, horticulture, silviculture, or agriculture)
Brandon Pounder
Graham Walt

Cecil Morley Kerr Memorial Award
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to post-secondary studies in agriculture or a related field)
Brandon Pounder

County Sustainability Group Award
(for a deserving graduate proceeding to post-secondary studies in sustainable development)
Graham Walt
Graeme Woodall

Aramark Canada Awards
(for deserving students proceeding to post-secondary education)
Kali May
Jane Wright
Lauren Westervelt**

Hastings and Prince Edward Student Success Award
(for a deserving graduating student who has demonstrated resilience and overcome challenges to achieve success in his or her chosen pathway)
Courtney Smith

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board Awards
(for deserving students proceeding to post-secondary education)
Jessica Edwards**
Morgan Reynolds
Alyx Taylor
Nicole White
Chelsie Wood

GRADE 12 SUBJECT AWARDS
*Award to be presented at Undergraduate Awards Ceremony in the Fall
** 2011 graduates

Business Studies
The McDougall-Stanton Insurance Award for Computer and Information Science (ICS 4U) Brandon Hope
The Williamson Insurance Award for Entrepreneurial Studies:
Venture Planning (BDV 4C) …………………………………….. Cassidy Allison
The Kingfisher Business Award (BBB 4M) ……………………. Richard Holland

English
The M.E. Branscombe Scholarship for English (ENG 4UP)  Carling Fraser

Social Sciences and Humanities
The Hamilton Beach Brands Canada Inc. Award for Individual and Families (HHS 4M) Jessica Jones

Canadian and World Studies
The William Teskey Memorial Award for World History (CHY 4U) Katie Norris

Classical Studies and International Languages
The French Award (FSF 4U) (Donated by the teachers of P.E.C.I.) Natalie Lockyer and Alison Stenhouse

Science
The Hiles Carter Award for Biology (SBI 4U) Quinn Abram
The Hiles Carter Award for Biology (SBI 3U Sydney Hennessy*
The Hiles Carter Award for Biology (SBI 3C) Shannon Langridge*
The Catholic Women’s League Award for Science (SCH 3U) Ryan McKenzie*

Technological Education
The CER-A-MET Award for Design Technology (TDJ 4M) Scott Kuipers**
The CER-A-MET Award for Construction Technology (TCJ 4C)  Brandon Rorabeck

Health and Physical Education
The Joe Scott Memorial Award for Exercise Science (PSE 4U) (Donated by the teachers of P.E.C.I.) Quinn Abram
The Joe Scott Memorial Award for Healthy Active Living (PPL 4O) (Donated by the teachers of P.E.C.I.) Stacy Williams
The Joe Scott Memorial Award for Personal and Fitness Activities (PAF 4O) (Donated by the teachers of P.E.C.I.) Andrew Pearson**

Guidance and Career Education
The Co-op Award (Donated by the teachers of P.E.C.I.)  Kristine Ostrander**

ESSROC Awards
The ESSROC Award for Chemistry (SCH 4U) Katie Shannon
The ESSROC Award for Physics (SPH 4U)  Quinn Abram
The ESSROC Award for Calculus and Vectors (MCV 4U) Katie Shannon
The ESSROC Award for Data Management (MDM 4U) Ryan McKenzie*
The ESSROC Award for College and Apprenticeship Mathematics (MAP 4C) Kelsey Young
The ESSROC Award for English (ENG 4C)  Joshua Williams

Mac’s Bursaries
The Mac’s Bursary for Canadian and International Law (CLN 4U) Richard Holland
The Mac’s Bursary for Journalism (IDC 4O) Krystyna Houston
The Mac’s Bursary for the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC 4O) Holly Radner
The Mac’s Bursary for English (ENG 4E) Holly Radner
The Mac’s Bursary for English (ENG 4U) Katie Shannon
The Mac’s Bursary for Challenge & Change in Society (HSB 4M) Katie Shannon
The Mac’s Bursary for Philosophy: Questions and Theories (HZT 4U) Geoffrey Middleton
The Mac’s Bursary for Fashion Industry (HNB 4O) Kristine Ostrander**
The Mac’s Bursary for Food and Nutrition Science (HFA 4M) Miranda Miller
The Mac’s Bursary for Advanced Functions (MHF 4U) Quinn Abram
The Mac’s Bursary for Mathematics for College Technology (MCT 4C) Reed Moss
The Mac’s Bursary for Mathematics for Everyday Life (MEL 4E) Dylan Ostroskie
The Mac’s Bursary for Physics (SPH 4C) Kari Kozmanuk
The Mac’s Bursary for Science (SNC 4E) Travis Istead
The Mac’s Bursary for Communications Technology (TGJ 4M) Cassidy Allison
The Mac’s Bursary for Transportation Technology (TTJ 4C) Geneva Sheffield
The Mac’s Bursary for Transportation Technology (TTJ 4E) Colt Mitchell
The Mac’s Bursary for Construction Technology (TCJ 4E) Steven Sutherland-Taylor
The Mac’s Bursary for Manufacturing Technology (TMJ 4C) Daniel Thompson
The Mac’s Bursary for Custom Woodworking (TWJ 4E) Andrew French
The Mac’s Bursary for Trading Up (GLN 4O) Kyle Lewis
The Mac’s Bursary for Visual Arts (AVI 4M) Katie Norris
The Mac’s Bursary for Photography (AWQ 4M) Brittany Powers
The Mac’s Bursary for Dramatic Arts (ADA 4M)   Cassandra Buckley and  Natalie Lockyer
The Mac’s Bursary for Music (AMU 4M) Katie Norris
The Mac’s Bursary for Learning Strategies (GLE 4O)  Brandy Simmons
The Mac’s Bursary for Achievement at PEAS Courtney Smith
The Mac’s Bursary for Most Improved Student at PEAS  Jodie Wells*

Students’ Council awards recipients with incoming co-presidents Kurtis Brewster and Mikaela Stacey.

STUDENTS’ COUNCIL AWARDS
The George Elson Memorial Award
(for the best all-round student at P.E.C.I.)
Cassidy Allison

Outstanding Class Leadership
(for a student who provides outstanding homeroom leadership)
Ashley Harvey

Special Recognition
(for outstanding contribution to the life of the school)
Chelsea Cromwell
Justine MacDonald*
Kristine Ostrander**
Kayla Paradis
Daniel Terpstra
Kristina Thomas

Achievement Award
(for a student who combines excellence and outstanding achievement in studies with outstanding achievement in sports
or contribution to the life of the school)
Grade 9 ~ Philip Seguin*
Grade 10 ~ Melissa Paradis*
Grade 11 ~ Samantha Kuipers*
Grade 12 ~ Cassandra Buckley

Salt of the Earth Award
(for students who have undertaken major responsibilities in extracurricular activities and who have carried them out with
exceptional devotion to duty and enterprise)
Marianne Cameron
Krystyna Houston
Jessica Jones
Natalie Lockyer
Lachlan MacDonald-Kirkley
Katie Norris
Katie Shannon
Alison Stenhouse

The Citizenship Award
(for a student who donates his or her time to the community on a volunteer basis and contributes to the activities of P.E.C.I.)
Miranda Miller