GUELPH – The spotlight was shining on two students from Fergus and Harriston during a Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting on Nov. 4.
The county residents were two of four high school students selected by teachers and principals for making a positive impact on their respective school communities.
Jeana Jinu
Jeana Jinu is a Fergus resident and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School student in Grade 11.
Our Lady of Lourdes student and Fergus resident Jeana Jinu was presented a VIP award on Nov. 4. Trustee Joe Tersigni read a statement from Jinu’s teachers and principal that said “this honour is a testament to Jeana’s hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements.”
Trustee Joe Tersigni presented Jinu with the VIP award and read out a glowing summary of Jinu’s “hard work, dedication and outstanding achievements in both her academic pursuits and contributions to the Lourdes school community.”
Teachers describe Jinu as “a joy to teach,” and her school work as thorough, creative and connective.
“She has always been genuine in her peer relationships, taking care to listen and include,” Tersigni read from the summary.
“She sees the best in each person and gently pushes them to live to their potential.”
Jinu is the president of Lourdes’ athletic council.
Outside of school, she works at a retirement home with patients with dementia, “feeding them and listening to their stories.”
After high school she aspires to follow in her family’s footsteps and practice medicine.
Jeana Jinu’s parents and siblings attended the Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting on Nov. 4 to support Jeana while she received a VIP award. From left, Rachel, Jeana, Johannah, Jinu and Jaden (front).
“Jeana’s exceptional qualities truly set her apart from others,” Tersigni stated.
“Her commitment to excellence, leadership among her peers, and unwavering determination and outstanding level of compassion serves as an inspiration to all of us.”
Emma Westendorp
Harriston resident Emma Westendorp was the St. James Catholic High School student selected for the VIP award.
Trustee Cassandra O’Donnell said she felt particularly proud to present the award to Westendorp, as a former St. James student herself.
Westendorp’s roles at school include student council vice president and member of the graduation committee and athletic council.
“She has facilitated spirit days, grade level events and school wide pep rallies, with one of her most notable achievements being the planning and execution of a successful Winter Olympics Day, which brought together over 20 teams to foster teamwork and school spirit,” O’Donnell stated.
St. James teachers and its principal say Westendorp is an eager and dedicated student who excels academically and supports her peers.
They lauded her “positivity, bright smile and thoughtfulness,” and described how her “ambition, hard work and authenticity” is evident in everything the Grade 12 student does.
Emma Westendorp’s parents, Robbie, left, and Ezra, travelled from Harriston to support Emma while she received a VIP award.
At a school event this year, Westendorp filled a cooler with freezies and ran through the halls to deliver the treats to help students cool down.
“Emma’s kindness and compassion shine through in her interactions with classmates and teachers alike, making our school a better place for everyone,” O’Donnell read.
Guelph students
The two other recipients of the VIP award were Sage Davies-Hopkins from St. John Bosco Catholic High School and Musa Ahmed from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School
Davies-Hopkins is described as a “student who exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a continuous drive for self-improvement.”
Bishop Mac officials say Ahmed’s story “reminds us that with courage and determination, we can overcome our past and create a bright future.”
Trustee and board chair Vicki Dupuis said receiving the VIP awards is “a credit. It’s a credit to the student, but it’s a credit to their families, because it doesn’t happen in isolation.
“So we thank you for sending them the gift of Catholic education and sending them as a gift to our school communities.”
