College Hosts Lieutenant Governor Medal Ceremony

Abygail was recognized as “a compassionate and driven young leader whose work strengthens both her school and wider community. She conducts concussion recovery research, supports peer projects, and contributes to the Stanstead Youth Committee.”

With Lieutenant Governor Manon Jeannotte unable to attend, the medals were presented by her aide-de-camp, Richard Amnotte.

Head of School Suzy McDonald welcomed the recipients and their guests by pointing out the shared values between Stanstead College and the award recipients.

“As the principal of an English, independent high school in a small rural border community, I am fully aware that we do not immediately spring to mind when one thinks of Quebec society,” she said. “But like Quebec, our school welcomes students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds, students from right here and around the world. And like the recipients of today’s awards, our school recognizes the values of leadership, compassion and, perhaps most of all, giving back to the community.”

Ms. McDonald congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contributions. “You stand as role models for those around you and for Quebecers as a whole,” she said.

Mr. Amnotte presented Ms. McDonald with a Reconciliation Paddle, offered by the Lieutenant Governor as a token of recognition to the host organization.  The commemorative plaque that accompanies it recalls the symbolism of this paddle: an emblem of dialogue and coming together, inviting Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to paddle together toward a future marked by kindness and mutual recognition.