Highlights:
Academic #1 – Gold standard in School Speeches.
This year in the Collingwood School public
speaking competition I did a serious speech on the controversial topic of
euthanasia. I explored the views of the medical community and the religious aspects. I was awarded gold standard and was one of the two
students to advance to the school finals. This was a very rewarding experience
as public speaking continues to excite me and is a large part of my life.
Academic #2 – Social Studies WWII Test
The grade 11 socials studies curriculum
covers World War II. This was a very interesting unit that was filled with a
lot of detailed information about specific battles and Canadian historical
significance. On the test I received 90.5%. I was very proud of this
mark as I felt it accurately represented how much effort I put in studying for
it.
Athletics – Horse show in San Juan Capistrano California
This year I competed in an internationally
recognized horse show in San Juan Capistrano California. It was my first horse
show on my new mount Oscar so it was a transition. I walked away from the show
with multiple ribbons and a Sunday classic win! It was a very rewarding
experience especially because I was so successful in keeping up with my
studies. I proved that I was able to miss extended periods of school and still
stay up to date.
Arts- School Play
This year in first term I was apart of the
drama production 12 Angry Women. This was a very interesting play to act in
because all the actors were on stage the entire time. You had to be completely
consumed in your role to deliver a convincing performance. It was a very
rewarding experience because you had a commitment to your cast and peers. All
he shows were and great success and very fun to be apart off.
Service- Gr. 4 Project Hands
This year for service I contributed to
Project Hands. Project hands is a medical mission service that provides free
operations to people in developing countries. My family recently held a
fundraiser at our house that was a great success! This was a very rewarding
experience because it is a very worthy and important cause. I cannot wait to do
more work with them in the future!
Choice #1- Academics
Math has always been my most difficult
subject. It has been a constant struggle for me to understand concepts and do
well. This has been the first year my mark has risen so much. I am very proud
of my accomplishments in math this year and I hope I can continue to improve and do well
in the course.
Choice #2- Arts
This is the first year I have taken a
photography class. I am very proud to have maintained an A in the course.
Throughout the year I have learned about the use of aperture and shutter speed.
I am happy with the work I have created and cannot wait to continually express
my creative side through photos.
Choice #3- Academics
This year I decided to go on the biology
11 trip to Bamfeild. I spend several days at the Bamfeild Marine Center and
learned a lot about marine animals. I completed many labs and worksheets to
enhance my knowledge on the subjects. I received 98% on my labs. This was a very
rewarding experience and I would recommend to any up and coming biology
students.
Reflections:
Academic: Gold Strand in School Speeches
This year in the annual Collingwood
School Public Speaking Competition I decided to do my speech on the
controversial and thought provoking subject of euthanasia. I decided to do my
speech on this because I wanted to inform people on all the different perspectives
surrounding this topic. I explored the views of the medical and religious
communities. I looked into the Robert Latimer case and related it to the
current debates. This was a particularly interesting topic for me especially
because my mother works in medicine and said something to me that had a large
effect. She asked me how I would respond if someone asked me to end his or her
life. I did not know how to respond, and seemingly neither did she. This was a
very rewarding experience because I was able to educate my peers and urge them
to ask important questions. I was successfully able to write and deliver a sophisticated
speech without offending anyone or divulging my personal opinion. I have always
enjoyed public speaking as I can appreciate the power of the written word. The feeling i get when I stun an audience into silence is very exhilarating
and satisfying. I cannot wait to see what I come up with for my graduating year!
Athletic: Horse Show in San Juan Capistrano California
This year I was fortunate enough to
take part in an internationally recognized horse show in San Juan Capistrano
California. I had never competed at this venue before so naturally I was very
excited! It was my first competition with my new mount I acquired this
year. His name is Oscar and we
preformed exceptionally well together taking home the $1500 Classic win! This
was a large class filled with experienced horses and competitive riders. Overall
I was able to walk away with a variety of ribbons, a fair amount of prize money
and most importantly I wealth of experience. My other horse Tene was also very
successful as well. This was his first show since last September so naturally
he was very excited to be competing again. This was also a very rewarding
experience because I was able to keep up to date in all my schoolwork. To know
that I can go away and ride for extended periods of time and still stay caught
up in my academics is huge. I cannot wait to return to the heat of California
to compete. It was a very well run show and I am very fortunate to have been
able to compete there!
Arts: School Play
This year I took part in the term
one drama presentation of 12 Angry Women. This was a very unique and
interesting production to take part in because all the actors are on stage for
the entire show. It is essential you fully immerse yourself in your character
or else your portrayal will not be believable. Traditionally this play was only
intended to have male actors so the fact that it was an all female cast made it
all the more interesting. My character was a highly paid politician selected by
the state to be a juror for a murder trial. I had many interesting monologues
as well as an exhilarating moment where I got to slam a knife onto the table! I
believe taking part in the Collingwood drama program is a very worthwhile
experience because it forces you out of your comfort zone as well as you get
to be a part of a very sophisticated production. The hair, makeup, and costume
all have the added dramatic effect the director is looking for! Going into my
grad year next year I cannot wait to see what the drama program has in store. I
really hope to go out with a bang.
Service: Project Hands
This year one of my service
initiatives was taking part in Project Hands. Project Hands is a medical
mission service that provides operations to people in developing countries. My
family recently held a fundraiser at our house that proved to be a great
success! I helped create flyers and menus for the evening and by doing this I
educated myself on the cause itself. I have a strong belief that it is very
important to give back to the local and international community. Without the
support of organizations like Project Hands the face of medical innovation
could be quite different. I plan to continue my involvement in such a worthy
and important cause. There is no greater satisfaction then to know that you are
making a difference. Big or small it all counts. I encourage anyone looking to
lead a more meaningful life to give back to their communities. With out the on
going support of certain individuals the world would not be the place it is
today.
