Turnaround Awards honour nine students
The 2025 Turnaround Achievement Awards, hosted by the Bath Lions Club on May 21 at Carleton North High School, recognized students from the Anglophone School District West, Central Cluster Schools.
Students were awarded for their outstanding school year, commitment to betterment and strength in overcoming life challenges.
SAVANNAH STODDARD
Florenceville Elementary School
Presented by Teena Bishop
Bishop praised Savannah’s perseverance and commitment to extracurricular activities, such as the Gaia Club, Drama production and Jay’s Care Program. Despite many challenges, Savanna remained a friendly face for students and faculty, ready to volunteer her time and help others.
“She never hesitates to seek help when needed,” said Bishop. “She takes her school work very seriously.”
Bishop even mentioned a memorable shirt Savannah wore once that spoke to her character and kindness. “It said, ‘Twinkle Twinkle, You are a Bright and Shiny Star.'”
OWEN DENOBLE
Bristol Elementary School
Presented by Tracey Fitzherbert
Owen has shown tremendous growth over the past year and was recognized for his incredible positive mindset in overcoming both academic and personal challenges.
Fitzherbert spoke about how Owen has become a great example of perseverance and growth. Owen contributes to the school by helping monitor the Outdoor Toy Shed; he assists in keeping the school grounds clean with creative ideas and dedication while maintaining his sense of humour.
“Owen has not only strengthened his self-confidence but has been an inspiration to other students,” added Fitzherbert. “He is a source of joy and inspiration in our community. ‘
OWEN JOHNSTON
Centreville Community School
Presented by Iris Hitchcock
Owen has always been lightning-fast at school work, but offering suggestions or help to him was always difficult. However, over the past year, he has experienced maturity and growth in personal development.
“Owen has always had a gift, a natural knack for understanding how things work,” said Hitchcock. “When it comes to putting things together… he’s the one you want on your side.”
She also spoke of his great growth in personal relations.
“What’s truly remarkable is how approachable he’s become. Instead of shutting down or pushing back, he now engages and grows,” said Hitchcock. “There is peace in that and wisdom,” continued Hitchcock. “This isn’t just a story of change; it’s a celebration of evolution. He grew, not because he had to, but because he wanted to, and to me, that’s the best kind of story.”
ADDYSON MELVIN
Centreville Community School
Presented by Stacey McCarthy
Facing challenges in a difficult and emotional year, Addyson has emerged with resilience and bravery, all while maintaining her dedication to extracurricular activities, learning and those she loves.
McCarthy presented the award to Addyson, stressing her newfound confidence, growth over the past year, and quiet determination while exuding loyalty and kindness to others.
“She truly embodies growth and personal strength,” said McCarthy. “She faced a difficult and emotional year. She could have stood back, but she stepped forward.”
JUSTUS LLOYD
Bath Community School
Presented by Krista Tibbets
“Justus has shown growth beyond the classroom, and shown us what it is like to have courage, not only in the big moments, but in the small and quiet choices,” said Tibbets, stressing her admiration for his honesty.
Constantly aware of the needs of his school and community, Justus is forever willing to lend a hand to others and has become a role model to younger students. With diverse interests, Justus exhibits passion, commitment, and tremendous growth.
“Beyond the growth and gains, (Justus) has shown us maturity, strength and heart, and for that he truly deserves this recognition,” continued Tibbets. “I am so proud of the person (he is) becoming.”
IZABELLE CULLINS
Bath Community School
Presented by Charity Greene
Izabelle, or “Izzy,” is known at her school for being a dependable and trustworthy friend with a cheerful and caring personality, and she has shown great maturity and growth in her confidence and skills.
“She has always shown a genuine interest in others,” said Greene, stating, however, that her kind and caring nature made her overly concerned about how others perceived her. “This year,” continued Greene, “she has truly blossomed, gaining a remarkable level of confidence and stepping into a leadership role both in and outside the classroom.”
“Izzy has also shown great personal integrity by distancing herself from negative influences and has made a significant effort to understand how her words and actions affect others,” she said. “We couldn’t be more proud of the person (Izzy) is becoming and all that (she) has accomplished.”
LARRY BRADLEY
Florenceville Middle School
Presented by Cynthia Crowhurst
Larry has demonstrated great determination in the face of many challenges but has emerged from Florenceville Middle School with exceptional growth in his ability to self-regulate, handle stressful situations, and verbalize his emotions.
“Larry’s middle school experience is really where he has made the most growth,” said Crowhurst. “He came to grade six learning less than 30 minutes a day. With the work of the team, he was attending almost full days by the end of grade six.
The work he has done identifying his feelings, appropriately reacting to problems and respecting boundaries has been pretty awesome,” continued Crowhurst. “An old soul with an empathetic heart and a love for the Golden Girls, Larry’s growth through the middle school years is remarkable.”
Larry wants to start his own lawn-care business after school.
SHAY PAUL
Carleton North High School
Presented by Gerald Sullivan
Shay was commended for his resilience in the face of devastating tragedy and extreme adversity. While in high school, Shay suffered through the loss of both parents and struggled with new homes and environments, self-doubt, and confusion.
After a difficult year following the loss of his mother, Shay then lost his stepfather. However, with a strong support system and faculty determined to help, Shay improved his marks, continued his love for basketball, and excelled on his school team.
“In his Grade 11 year, we came up with an award called The Mad Dog Award,” Sullivan explained. “It was given to any player who would go out and give it everything they got. They wouldn’t have to be the leading scorer, you just have to make a difference in the game. That’s basically what he did, in Grade 12 and all his years. He’s our Mad Dog.”
With the encouragement of family, friends and faculty, Shay managed to work past his tragedy and move on with determination and newfound strength. Known for his strong work ethic, Shay is also considered a kind young man with a good heart.
ELIZABETH GODREAU
Carleton North High School
Presented by Sophie Albright
Initially struggling with communication and direction, Sophie has tackled her obstacles with determination, growth and self-respect.
“She wasn’t particularly interested in school at the time,” said Albright. “There were moments when the challenges of school and life seemed to weigh heavily on her shoulders. With time, determination and resilience, she began to grow into the confident, capable young woman she is today. Not only did she improve her attendance, class participation and accountability… her drive to continue her education is a genuine reflection of the positivity and strength she’s cultivated.”
Elizabeth plans to study Early Childhood Education and “is committed to build a future she is proud of.”
