Meadowridge News

Gryphons of the Month: June

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.”

Addison D. (Grade 4) commits to her sport and commits to care

After an undefeated hockey season and named MVP of her team in a recent tournament, there is no doubt Addison D. (Grade 4) has talent and skill—and yet, it’s her “positive attitude” that her teachers say they most admire. Addison makes assists, scores goals, and wins games but does it with care and as a kind and supportive teammate. She says it is her parents, along with her coaches, who inspire her. “My coaches believe in me, and my family believes in me,” she says. Addison tries to emulate this behaviour on ice and in life. The Grade 4 learner remembers when she was still learning how to skate and play, so makes sure to compliment and encourage her teammates who are still learning. She can often be heard cheering for her teammates from the sidelines, telling them, “Good job!” as they go. She never wants anyone to doubt themselves. For her classmates and friends who may be nervous to try something new, Addison says it’s important to take risks and to always believe in yourself. “I could have given up, but I didn’t, and I’ve come a long way,” she says. Practice and commitment will take you far, she says—that’s why you’ll often find Addison practicing stickwork in her backyard and, more often than not, out on the ice—but a positive attitude gets you the furthest. 

James L. (Grade 8) takes a risk, shows care, and is knowledgeable 

James L. (Grade 8) admits his first foray into theatre was horrible. He played a part that was shared and had only six lines. “I hated doing it,” he says. While he could have easily given up and gone on to something new, James says he was undeterred. “I decided to try backstage,” he says.  Even that, he admits, was “rough” at the beginning. He had a lot to learn and in little time. James, however—as his teachers know well—is someone who rarely gives up. He took the lighting manual home and read it front to back. He started volunteering in all the plays at school, from the Elementary’s 101 Dalmatians to the High School’s Brothers Grimm. With every show, James improved and then, after some time, everything just  “clicked.” Today, James is one of Meadowridge’s go-to people for lighting and sound. And with involvement through extracurriculars as well as through volunteerism, the Grade 8 student is as talented as he is caring. His teacher, Mrs. Donnovan, says James is never the student to say no and is always the first to help. James says his parents are his inspiration and credits them with raising him to be caring and kind. He also loves what he does, he says, and says helping with productions “never feels like service or work.” James credits risk-taking for his now utter passion for theatre. “Because I took a chance, I now have a lifelong passion. I can’t imagine my life without it,” he says.

Hassan E. and Amaryan Q. (Grade 9) show how knowledge and care can make change

Hassan E. and Amaryan Q. (Grade 9) are two students who achieve what they set out to do. When they noticed an opportunity to start a club, they started an interfaith dialogue club, inviting students of all ages and faiths. When they heard that families were struggling with food scarcity, they rallied those same club members to help. Hassan and Amaryan organized a drive outside a local mosque where they shared their stories with people and encouraged them to help. By the end of the day, the duo raised an astounding $2,100 for the food bank. “We didn’t think we would raise that much,” they confess. But their voices—informed, passionate, and engaged—encouraged people. Later, they used their voices again in another drive to support people in crisis. This time, the duo raised $2,500. The day is long with every drive, but the task is rewarding. Hassan and Amaryan already have plans to host a clothing drive later in the fall. They also have plans to expand their club—now called the Student Muslim Association—to offer more meetings and make a greater impact. From clubs to service work, Hassan and Amaryan show extraordinary care in all that they do. “You should help others before you help yourself,” they explain. With many clubs to join and service work to support, the duo says getting involved is a first step. “When you join a club, you’ll realize what is happening in the world and how to help.”

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