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.”
Eisla K. (Grade 2) takes a risk and learns a new sport, cares for her competitors
Eisla was just four years old when her grandfather gifted her a brand-new set of golf clubs. “What is this?” the young learner asked her parents, bewildered by what she saw. Back then, she didn’t even know what golf was, let alone what all this equipment was for! When Eisla’s mom and dad explained what golf was and how to play, she decided to give it a try: she was determined to learn this new sport, a real risk-taker. Eisla started going to camps and practicing at home. Over the next three years, the once unsure and inexperienced golfer became more confident and skilled with each day. Of course, this evolution took practice and effort. Every day, for about 20 minutes a day, Eisla practices her drives, chips and putts. She attends camps, goes to tournaments, and gets in rounds whenever she can. During this time, her skill has not only improved but so too has her gratitude and grace. Eisla is the proud holder of both gold and silver medals—most recently, placing third overall in Canada and scoring an exclusive spot at an LPGA event—as well as undeniable sportsmanship. “I clap for people even if I don’t win; I can’t win every medal because other people deserve it too!” the caring Grade 2 student explains.
Anish G. (Grade 7) takes a risk and reaps the rewards
It’s no surprise that Anish’s talents on the soccer field helped him find success in track and field—what is surprising is just how quickly he found it. During his first year as a member of the Meadowridge Track and Field team, Anish secured first place after first place. “I realized, wow, I’m actually fast,” he laughs. His success led him to up his training and dedicate more time to the sport. In addition to playing on one of the top soccer teams—a commitment itself with lots of practices and training—Anish meets with a track coach who leads him in strength, pacing and stamina training. His hard work and training paid off, and Anish came away as the “unofficial third fastest” (unofficial because not every competitor attended) 100-metre runner in BC.
As a risk-taker, Anish felt no worries when he decided to give track and field a try. For Anish, it’s about taking “smart risks”. Off the soccer field or track, Anish takes these smart risks in all parts of his life. Through careful consideration, these choices have helped him athletically, academically, as well as personally. “Just try things and persevere,” he nods.
Elsa C. (Grade 12) brings care to her sport and nurtures the next league of taekwondo athletes
As a Grade 12 student, Elsa keeps a busy schedule and a never-ending list of to-dos. Nevertheless, the busy learner still finds time to not only pursue taekwondo but also teach it to others. Inspired by her own experience—Elsa herself was introduced to Taekwondo in Grade 5 afterschool club—she founded the Meadowridge Taekwondo Club last year. Knowing that this now lifelong passion would have never been something she’d have found if not through class, she is keen to help more students find the sport. Today, the club runs with about five students. With a focus on small class sizes, Elsa is able to deliver focused, one-on-one attention to her kids. Classes focus on the skills of the sport—punches, kicks, self-defence—as well as the mental parts of it. “That’s one of the things I love about taekwondo,” Elsa explains, “it includes precision, techniques, mentality, as well as athletic ability”. Of course, Elsa is more than a coach, boasting her own impressive career. Most recently, Elsa won Gold at the Extreme Forms at the 2023 ATA World Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. Up against hundreds of competitors, Elsa emerged victorious.
Though her own taekwondo and academic careers keep her busy enough, Elsa is still dedicated to volunteering and running the club. More importantly, this care she brings to her club finds its way into every class. “I care about my students and want to make sure they’re included—during class, it’s important that everyone is happy, and the club feels like a safe place”.