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Students shine on PSC Awards Night

More than $100,000 worth of awards was handed out to deserving students at the Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) Oct 22.

More than $100,000 worth of awards was handed out to deserving students at the Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) Oct 22 in recognition of their dedication and hard work in their studies while their parents had the chance to enjoy the recognition given to their children’s efforts.

Principal Ian Rawlinson said he enjoyed being able to thank parents as well as the students.

The awards celebration is to recognize academic achievement and vice-principal Ron Rarick is proud of the number of Alexander Rutherford Scholarships recipients.

Students must show an average of more than 80 per cent in English, social studies, math and career and technology services (CTS) to deserve consideration for the scholarships. The amount of the scholarship depends on students’ level of success at each grade: A top performance at Grade 10 will earn a successful student $400, with the figure increasing to $800 in Grade 11 and to $1,300 in Grade 12. Even students with less stellar performances could receive lower amounts of support under this program.

There were 24 students who received the scholarships, which can be used towards a post-secondary education.

“It’s an opportunity to reward good students and celebrate their families,” said Rarick.

Vice-principal Kathy McTaggart enjoyed seeing graduates return and feels this award ceremony is a positive guide for younger students. “It’s nice to see them back.”

“At the school we do try to recognize all forms of excellence,” said Rawlinson to attendees. “Whether it be in athletics, or academics or just simply citizenship.”

The school tries to offer a variety of avenues for students and he feels the academic awards offer a chance to be acknowledged. “I’d like to say thank you for doing your best, for coming prepared every day, for bringing a pencil and ready to come to work.”

He is grateful to the number of sponsors who put their name and money to help students further their academic or CTS careers after high school. Three new scholarships have been instituted this year, so this year’s graduates will be able to reap the rewards at the 2014 fall awards ceremony.

Parents play a big role in students’ success and Rawlinson said he believed many nights, those mothers and fathers would remind their children to complete their homework.

“Those who have been out of school for a while forget the effort it does take to be a student in today’s world,” added Rawlinson.

This year brought a new award presented by the Ponoka Agriculture Society with a certificate of $500 and that was presented to Nicole Schuur for entering a postsecondary program that benefits agriculture.