Meet Our Limestone School Board Student Achievers

May 29, 2024

Jude Normile - Granite Ridge Education Centre

According to the staff at Granite Ridge Education Centre (GREC), Jude Normile has the potential to make incredible contributions to the world because he is already making our small part of the universe a better place.

He is an exceptionally well-rounded student who sets the standard in both technical, hands-on classes as well as in the traditional academic environments, consistently earning him the highest marks in the nineties.

His deductive reasoning, precision and attention to detail are also evident in his intricate projects he completes in woodshop. All of which are crucial skills in the field he plans on pursuing, civil engineering. Outside of the classroom, Jude’s involvement reflects his leadership skills in a variety of activities demonstrating his diverse range of interests and talents.

Jude has also been an enthusiastic participant in spirit days and is currently a member of both Student Council and the Prom Committee, as well as a contender for Valedictorian. He and his partner will be travelling to the Provincial level of competition for Skills Ontario, as a representative of both Granite Ridge Education Centre and Limestone District School Board. In the community, he is relied on to assist his elderly neighbours and participate in fundraising tournaments as well as to welcome new residents to the small community. At a local camp for children with special needs, Jude will voluntarily create woodworking projects for the campers.

The staff of GREC are extremely proud of this young man and would be honoured to call him a 2024 Limestone Student Achiever.

Alexus Wagner - North Addington Education Centre

Alexus Wagner truly exemplifies what a Limestone Student Achiever is: She excels in athletics, volunteer pursuits, technology and academics while staying true to herself in every situation. Whether she is riding her motorcycle to school, playing club volleyball, volunteering as a firefighter, or working at her part-time job, Alexus balances all these activities and school with ease, while earning the respect of peers and co-workers wherever she goes.

Alexus has been a student athlete on the cross-country, volleyball, badminton, archery, and softball teams and competes in steeplechase, high jump, and javelin as part of the track and field team. She was captain of the Senior Girls Volleyball team, played club basketball for six years for the Belleville Spirits Basketball Club competing in the Ontario Basketball League.

Alexus volunteers with the Kaladar-Barrie Fire Department and is a certified First Responder. Her trainers have commented on Alexus’ ability to remain calm and composed, both during training and high stress situations, highlighting Alexus’ calm and balanced personality. Alexus excels in technology and enjoys spending her free time in the shop. On her spare, Alexus is often in the construction shop working on her construction projects. Alexus balances a diverse course load while always maintaining an Honours average.

Alexus will be following her passion for the trades (and secret love of windmills) next fall as she has been accepted into the Wind Turbine Technician Program at St. Lawrence College. Alexus’ ability to balance athletics, volunteering, work, and school is an example for all of us to be hard-working lifelong learners who continue to pursue our passions. Congratulations Alexus!

Silka Olvet - Sydenham High School

Silka Olvet, outstanding graduating Grade 12 Sydenham High School student, is known by staff and students as a positive, thoughtful, and supportive leader.

Academically, Silka is a high-achieving student. In grade 12, her first semester average was mid-nineties in Physics, Chemistry, Functions and Personal Fitness. In grade 11, she won the Silver Academic medal for second highest average.

Silka is an active participant in Athletics at SHS and in the community. She was named Captain for all three sports she played (Sr Girls Basketball, Sr Girls Volleyball, and Track and Field). Silka is a significant member of any team she is part of not only due to her leadership, but her athletic ability. In track, she qualified for hurdles at East Regionals (2022, 2023) and OFSAA in 2022. This current year, she led her volleyball team to EOSAA Gold, and Consolation Championships at OFSAA. She was the basketball MVP, won Hardest Working Athlete in 2022, and in her junior year, won the Junior Athletics and Leadership Award. As a recreational leader at SHS, she organized a mental health one-week information campaign for the school chapter of jack.org. She was instrumental in organizing Pink Shirt Day and was a student ambassador during our Live Different Assembly.

Silka approaches every situation with a kind and friendly attitude, ensuring that those around her feel respected and included. Above all, Silka’s efforts always make life at SHS a better place for her peers and staff – she is a deserving recipient of the Limestone Student Achievement Award. Congratulations!