St. Mary’s Bay Academy recognized student athletes with words of congratulations, medals, trophies and awards at the school’s annual sports banquet on June 10.
Topping the awards were exemplary participation certificates from the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation for students Alecia Theriault and Blake Doucette and outstanding service award for coach John Doucette.
Guest speaker was Don Berry, principal at Yarmouth Junior High School and sports referee for volleyball, soccer and basketball in Tri-County schools.
Berry congratulated the student athletes for their achievements, encouraged them to set high academic and athletic goals and recognized parent support and involvement in their children’s participation in school sports.
Berry, who participated in several sports while at university, spoke personally of his difficulties to maintain his grades and how setting academic goals paid off.
“I was involved in a lot of sports but was in danger of failing some classes. I set goals for myself and stayed focused to pass while remaining heavily involved in athletics.”
Students received certificates to honour and recognize their dedication to school sports and being active in positive school activities.
This year the school celebrated five major awards in basketball and wrestling.
The senior boys’ basketball team won both the Division 3 regional and provincial championships in late February and early March, while the junior boys won the District basketball championship in February. Each of the nine junior boys’ team members received medals for their achievement.
Also in March, wrestling team members Marshall Atkins and Daniel Comeau won gold and silver medals respectively at provincials.
Coaches presented medals to athletes for good sportsmanship, most improved player and most valuable player on the team.
The school’s sports teams participated in volleyball, basketball, wrestling, floor hockey, track and field and softball. The following students earned awards:
Senior girls’ volleyball: Most Valuable Player (MVP), Alecia Theriault; Most Improved Player (MIP), Jenna Glavin; sportsmanship, Jocelyn Theriault.
Senior boys’ basketball: MVP, Patrick Johns; offensive player of the year, Jordan Cromwell; defensive player of the year, Kevin Langford.
Senior girls’ basketball: MVP, Jenna Muise; sportsmanship, Mariah Brittain and Jocelyn Theriault.
Floor hockey: MVP, Kyle Lombard; MIP, Scott Sheaves; sportsmanship, Ryan Leblanc.
In track and field, medals for effort, performance and teamwork were presented to Daniel Ford, Abbie Hubbard, Neil Mullen, Kailyn Williams, Kyle Lombard and Alecia Theriault.
Girls’ softball: MVP, Kirsten Nagel; MIP, Kathryn Brooks; sportsmanship, Samantha Murphy.
Senior boys’ softball: MVP Shane Melanson; MIP, Scott Saulnier; sportsmanship, Robert Hurst.
