GUELPH – Grade 8 students Charlotte Vervoort and Seth Garrison have wowed their educators with the dedication and leadership they show at school.
They were two of the three students recognized as VIPs during the Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting on April 7, along with Coleson Hartog.
Vervoort attends St. Mary Catholic School in Elora, Garrison attends St. Joseph Catholic School in Fergus, and Hartog attends St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic School in Guelph.
Chair Marino Gazzola praised the students for being great role models for their peers and called them highlights of their schools and of the students across the school board.
He said their accomplishments are a testament not only to their own hard work and personal traits, but also to their parents, guardians and the staff at their schools.
Charlotte Vervoort
Trustee Andrew Finoro presented the VIP award to Vervoort and read a bio prepared by staff at St. Mary Catholic School.
It highlighted Vervoort’s varied acts of service, including ensuring her schoolmates have enough to eat by volunteering with the Food and Friends Team, fundraising for the Grade 8 overnight trip to Toronto by coordinating popcorn sales, regularly updating the bulletin board outside of her classroom and leading school spirit days.
“We often joke that Charlotte could easily run the school if given the chance,” St. Mary officials state.
Finoro turned to Vervoort and asked if she was interested in the vice principal position, which she quickly declined with the shake of her head and a smile.
Charlotte Vervoort with her parents, Jenny and Shawn Vervoot, after receiving the Wellington Catholic District School Board VIP award on April 7.
“Charlotte’s teachers describe her as a very hard working student who asks for help when needed and is always looking for ways to improve her work,” her bio states.
“Charlotte is always willing to take on any responsibility or job around the school if asked and often offers to complete tasks before we even know they need to be done.”
The bio continues, “Her leadership, dedication and positive attitude have made a significant impact on our school community.
“We will certainly miss her as she moves on to Grade 9 next year, but we know that she will continue to share her gifts wherever she goes.”
Seth Garrison
The VIP award was presented to Garrison by trustee Cassandra O’Donnell.
Before she started reading Garrison’s bio, O’Donnell said while she was sure everyone in the crowded meeting room would be listening carefully, it was most important for Garrison himself to listen to what his educators wrote about him.
Fergus St. Joseph Catholic School student and Wellington Advertiser delivery boy Seth Garrison standing with his parents, Lauren and Andrew Garrison, after receiving the VIP award.
His bio describes how he encompasses the core values taught at St. Joseph: living with open arms, loving with an open heart and learning with an open mind.
“He is a humble, quiet and unassuming leader in all facets of school life,” school staff state.
“Seth makes a point to greet his teachers each morning, with a smile and a fist bump, and very often a story to tell. He also ensures that he wishes us a good night on the way out the door.”
Garrison volunteers with his school’s student council, intramural council and technology crew, and works to organize events for younger students.
He is also involved in a range of sports and delivers the Wellington Advertiser newspaper along Black Street and part of Parkside Drive in Fergus.
“Seth is a wonderful student, motivated in all subjects, showing an enthusiasm for learning that is contagious to those around him.
Trustee Cassandra O’Donnell presented Seth Garrison with the award.
“He frequently raises his hand throughout class discussions to contribute to the learning environment, benefiting his peers by showcasing his unique thoughts, perspectives and problem solving strategies.”
Garrison often stands up for others in need, his bio states, and “is one of the most caring and respectful students to have ever attended St. Joseph.”
When he moves on to high school next year, school staff “will miss his bright light, wonderful personality, and many contributions,” the bio states.
