Gryphons of the Month: April

Our students have so many amazing stories to share. The Meadowridge Awards and Recognition Committee want to recognize the work of our incredible students. Each month, teachers in Elementary, Middle, and High School nominate students who have demonstrated characteristics of the Learner Profiles in a memorable and inspiring way. Through our Gryphons of the Month, it’s our hope that, as a community, we hear the “stories of our students.”

Ava G. (Grade 1) takes action, shows compassion, and gives back

It was on a particularly chilly winter’s day when Ava was inspired to take action. From the comfort of her mom’s warm car, she saw people outside without jackets and in the cold. “They would need food and a place to hibernate—just like bears!” she figured. Ava set out to raise a little bit of money to help with just that. She decorated a cup to look like a snowman and made a small sign to go alongside it. “Help the homeless!” it implored.

After fundraising for some time and with enough to help, Ava had a chance to bring her donation down to the Community Strong Centre and meet some of the people involved. This proved one of her favourite parts, as she was able to prepare and serve food and came away from the meeting with some new friends and a lot learned. Proving that anyone, at any age, can make a difference, Ava encourages her fellow learners to take action when inspiration strikes. “You can also make a cup or a sign and get your teachers or supervisors to help,” she suggests.   

 

Chloe M.

Chloe M. (Grade 7) is a risk-taker showing her courage and resilience

Chloe's journey into speed skating started two and a half years ago. Despite her humble beginnings, her dedication and perseverance have propelled her to remarkable heights, shown in her participation in this year's BC Winter Games as a Zone 4 (Fraser River) athlete. Though she didn't secure any medals at the BC Winter Games, she won first place in her group during the 1000m Super Final.

Reflecting on her journey, Chloe attributes her success to her willingness to take risks and push herself beyond her comfort zone. Yet, it's not just physical risks she's willing to take; Chloe also embraces the emotional challenge of competition, entering races knowing that you won’t always win, demonstrating courage and resilience as a risk-taker within the learner profile. Chloe's caring nature shines through in her interactions within the close-knit speed skating community. Chloe emphasizes the importance of helping and supporting others, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. "To help others and support them any way you can is what it means to me to be caring," she says.

For those who aspire to follow in her footsteps, "Go for it. Don’t be afraid to fall" she shares. Her journey from cautious beginner to confident competitor serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of dedication, resilience, and belief in oneself.

  

Jordan M. (Grade 11) turns his passion into action

Jordan discovered orienteering in a sports anthology book of all places. He had been on the search for a specific sport, something that would complement his love of the outdoors and account for his total lack of hand-eye coordination. Orienteering, then, was quite the find. Combining trail running and compass reading, it was a sport well-suited for the then-Grade 6 learner.

Jordan had little experience running back then but committed himself to his training. Over time, his time lessened by seconds and then minutes and his last place finishes turned to third, second, and first. Today, Jordan is active member of his local orienteering club and a vocal advocate of the sport. His advocacy recently caught the attention of his teachers, who turned to Jordan for help planning a compass-reading activity. Jordan, in turn, went above and beyond meeting the request.

In both his Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Advisory classes as well as for Duke of Edinburgh Award training, Jordan planned and hosted activities that brought students all around the forest while picking up and practicing new skills. Jordan is now even trying to get an orienteering club going in CAS. With a great deal of planning and care, Jordan says it was the motivation to make the experience worthwhile that kept him going. “A half-made lesson isn’t going to be effective at all,” he shares. For any students who hope to share their passions with classmates, he has this advice: “Just try—there will always be someone who is interested in what you have to offer!”

For anyone curious about orienteering in the GVR, click here.