Howe Sound Secondary School is waving goodbye to one of its largest classes of provincial scholarship winners.
Twenty-two 2012 HSSS grads received $1,000 each, based on results of their provincial exams. The awards go to pupils throughout the province who earn at least three Bs and an A on their finals.
"I am really excited," Principal Christine Perkins told the award winners at a gathering at the school on Friday (Aug. 24). "It is the biggest [number of recipients] in a while. They all worked extremely hard."
Among the group was Naiomi Lu, who is one of 80 students from across Canada accepted into the University of British Columbia's Science One program. Lu will be joined in the course by fellow Squamish student James Dawydiak. Lu hopes to work toward life science, possibly seeking a future in medicine.
"I was super excited," she said. "I wasn't expecting it."
Standing beside her were Erin Eidsvik, who is slated to take general science at the University of Victoria and Alan Acorn, who is pursuing a career in criminology.
All the students are high achievers, Perkins said.
"With great personalities," she quickly added.
Jocelyn Pettit was late to join the crowd, having just finished a job on an Alaskan cruise ship. Pettit is a fiddler with a budding career. After teaching violin on the ships, she's headed to Ontario to perform.
Pettit has set foot on stages around the world, including Scotland and Malaysia. She also played at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics during a packed medals ceremony at B.C. Place Stadium. Pettit said she wants to take some time in between schooling to focus on composing and performing.
After a quick catch up, the students dispersed.
"We are going to miss you," Perkins told them.
