It must seem like déjà vu for three Howe Sound Secondary School Grade 12 students.
Earlier this month, at the annual HSSS athletic award ceremonies; Lori Woodman, Max Roy and Jens Ourom were awarded with the 2003/2004 Athlete of the Year honours for their abundance of athletic contributions to the school.
Last Thursday (June 10), all three returned to the centre stage to receive more accolades. This time, the three students were awarded Outstanding Student of the Year honours for all-around excellence in academics, school involvement, and athletic prowess.
"I think they're three quality people who are very deserving of the award," said HSSS principal Peter Hotston. "They had very strong support from all of the teachers. The school has definitely benefitted because of their day to day demeanour. They're such positive role models."
Throughout their senior year at HSSS, these students have exemplified the many qualities that the award is based upon. A high standard of academic excellence combined participation in extracurricular activities and service to the school. The award winners were nominated by the HSSS faculty.
Lori Woodman: Outstanding Female Student of the Year
Not only has Woodman won Athlete of the Year honours for five years running, she has also won the top student of the year in her respective grade category in every year except Grade 11. She has taken home numerous academic awards in Science, Math, French, Physical Education and Social Studies - and has maintained a 94 per cent average in her senior year.
"The great teachers here have really helped me along the way in achieving all of my success," said Woodman. "All of the teachers say that I'm high maintenance because I dig for all the extra marks."
Because of her diligence, Woodman was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Victoria, where she will major in Engineering and minor in Biology. She hopes to parlay her athletic interests into her engineering education, to one day design orthotics for athletes.
Woodman was also awarded a $1,000 engineering scholarship from UVic. Although the monetary assistance is nice, she said she's looking forward to a change from small town life to adventures in the city, and to the challenges of post-secondary education.
"I feel that a lot of teachers did a really good job of preparing us for university. I'm looking forward to moving someplace bigger and being around more people."
Looking back on her five-year tenure at HSSS, Woodman says her success wouldn't have been possible without the help of her twin sister, Marnie.
Jens Ourom: Co-winner -Outstanding Male Student of the Year
Consistent progress has been the key factor in Ourom's success at HSSS. "I feel that every year I've matured a hell of a lot, considering this is the first year I've ever won an award like this," he said. "I felt like a bigger part of the school every year."
Like Woodman, Ourom also won Athlete of the Year honours this year, but was surprised at winning.
"I'm shocked honestly. I wasn't expecting to win this at all. But I think the school is making an effort to recognize positive contributions in areas other than academics."
For Ourom, these areas include his involvement in the successful play 42nd Street, his position as youth representative for the District of Squamish select committee on sport and fitness, and his passion for basketball.
"I wasn't a very good student in Grade 8 and 9, but as soon as I really became involved in basketball it gave me a reason to focus even more," he said.
He managed to hold an 87 per cent average through his core high school courses, and will be undergoing his post-secondary education at the North Vancouver campus of Capilano College to study Exercise Science.
Although Ourom says he isn't naturally smart, he said that he has succeeded by studying diligently for tests and assignments, and focused even harder throughout his final year at HSSS.
"I realized it was the most important year in my education and that you can really go somewhere with success in Grade 12."
Max Roy: Co-winner - Outstanding Male Student of the Year
Max Roy was recognized by the teachers at HSSS to be the recipient of this prestigious award for his many positive contributions, and he's more than happy to thank them for what they've done for him.
"A lot of teachers made me realize that I can do whatever I want to in my life," he said. "They've always pushed me to get better."
Max has excelled in math and the sciences throughout high school, winning the science award in each of his five years at HSSS. He was a member of this year's bronze medal-winning Physics Olympic Team, and won the overall Grade 12 science award on top of maintaining a 90 per cent average. His favorite course is biology, and he will be using what he has learned throughout high school into his post-secondary education, where he will be studying Human Kinetics/ Kinesiology at the University of Victoria.
Roy also had an exceptional high school career in athletics, and was a co-winner (along with Jens Ourom) of the Athlete of the Year award in 2004. He was also involved in the cast of 42nd Street and the high school leadership class and has won math, physical education and drama awards in past years.
