Over the next week, Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty is visiting schools in northern Saskatchewan to bring some attention to Grades 7 to 12 students who are excelling in academics, school attendance, and involvement in cultural activities.
He will be presenting the Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence to students in Creighton, Sandy Bay, La Loche, Buffalo Narrows, Ile a la Crosse and La Ronge.
2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Award Recipients
Myles Mccallum from Hector Thiboutot Community School in Sandy Bay.
In grade 8 Myles Mccallum had an attendance average of 98% and an academic average of 93%. His teachers have described him as a role model and a positive influence on his classmates and teammates. Myles says, “education is truly important as the buffalo once was to our people. The new buffalo is education, and we need it to live a good life in Northern Saskatchewan.” He feels that school helps in preparing him for the future.
Talissa Alexander from Creighton Community School in Creighton [Will be accepted by Talissa’s parent as Talissa is away at university.]
In grade 12 Talissa Alexander had an attendance average of 97% and an academic average of 95%. Talissa’s teachers described her as: extremely hardworking, intrinsically motivated, gifted both academically and athletically, and possessing a giving nature. Talissa made it her mission to help others. She volunteers with a senior volleyball team, fundraises for her club basketball team, and referees junior volleyball and basketball. Talissa is currently attending St. Francis Xavier University to complete a bachelor’s degree in human kinetics followed by a master’s degree in physiotherapy.
Caleb Herman from Dene High School in La Loche In grade 7
Caleb Herman’s attendance record was 97.3% and academic average 89%. His teachers have described him as “focused, hardworking, and dedicated.” Caleb is very connected to his Indigenous roots and heritage. This has helped him to form a sense of identity and belonging. Caleb participates in his Dene class and his family speaks Dene in their home. Caleb’s family is immersed in the traditional practices of gathering fruits, herbs, hunting and fishing.
Connor Clarke from Twin Lakes Community School in Buffalo Narrows
In grade 11 Connor Clarke had an attendance average of 95% with an academic average of 92.6%. Connor’s teacher has described him as “entrepreneurial, kind, proud and dedicated.” Connor operates his own landscaping business. He is always willing to step up and help when needed and exhibits great leadership qualities.
Samantha Unahan from Churchill Community High School in La Ronge
In grade 9 Samantha Unahan had an attendance average of 96% and an overall academic average of 84% with 99.4% in mathematics. Samantha’s teacher has described her as “natural leader whose positive and friendly personality make her easy to work with.” Her willingness to help others whenever assistance is required is unmatched and she is always eager to learn from others. Samantha is interested in a career in medicine where she can continue her passion of helping others and she knows that education is the key to her future.
William McGonigle from Rossignol High School in Ile a la Crosse
With an academic average of 95% in Grade 10, William has his sights set on becoming a doctor and following in his parents’ footsteps. William’s teacher has described him as “a student who works extremely hard and strives to be the best version of himself in and out of the classroom. William also shows dedication to helping others. He is a natural born leader who has the capabilities to lift and lead others.” Outside of academics, William plays the fiddle, speaks and understands some of the Michif language and is an accomplished athlete. He competes in cross country skiing, cross country running and track and field. This year, William competed as one of two northern athletes to represent Saskatchewan in the 2023 Canadian Winter Games in cross country skiing.
