Eight students honoured in ceremony
The annual Northern Carleton Rising Star Awards ceremony was held on May 21 at Carleton North High School. Sponsored by the Bath Lions Club since 2016, the awards celebrate the great progress students struggling with academic and/or behavioural challenges make throughout the school year.
The evening included a catered dinner and was attended by family and friends, as well as local dignitaries, including Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson and District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey, both of whom offered congratulations to the recipients.
The 2026 Rising Star Award recipients are:
Elizabeth Daniel from Bath Community School, introduced by Megan Munro, was described as a “kind, involved, and dependable” student with “many strengths.” She has made great strides in her attitude this school year and has shown an incredible work ethic through her involvement in sports and volunteer activities. “She is the poster child for being involved,” said Munro. “She is equipped with skills and qualities that will help her keep succeeding.”
Alexis Williams from Bath Community School, introduced by Emma Williams, was described as a “fun to teach…kind, caring, and resilient person.” She has made significant improvement in her math skills this year. “She didn’t make excuses or give up,” said Williams. “She put in the effort needed to succeed.”
Williams said that Alexis has also grown in confidence, is contributing more in the classroom, and is now seen as a leader by other students.
Victoria Belyea from Bristol Elementary School, introduced by Tracy Fitzherbert, has shown a “strong commitment to improving herself” with gains made in math, reading, and French. She also displays many strengths in her extracurricular activities, especially gymnastics. She loves helping at school, engages in volunteer activities, and supports other students.
Cohan Cole-Jinson from Florenceville Elementary School, introduced by Catherine Brennan, has made great strides in learning to manage his emotions. Brennan described Cohan as “strong and driven” and a “great model of what can happen with perseverance.” Cohan also made significant improvements in his math skills this year, and Brennan said he is an “incredible friend” who loves helping others. Brennan quoted one of Cohan’s classmates who said, “When Cohan isn’t there, the class feels empty.”
Liamé McCormick from Florenceville Middle School, introduced by Maddie White, has truly demonstrated “the power of change” during their school year.
White shared that Liamé initially had behavioural and emotional struggles, but that he “slowly, quietly, and with incredible courage, began to change.” He has had significant improvements in his focus and respect and has become much calmer, displaying a “quiet strength.” White said that Liamé has taught her as much as she could ever teach him.
Ivy Miranda from Centreville Community School, introduced by Iris Hitchcock, has displayed “perseverance, growth, and resilience” during the school year. Ivy has made “strong progress” with her academic challenges and has learned to pause and reflect before acting. Ivy now displays a maturity “well beyond her years.” Ivy has grown into a very helpful presence for staff and students and is involved in drama. She has shown that “success is not just about grades but about progress and perseverance.”
Trystin Boyce-Stewart from Carleton North High School, introduced by Wes Jordan, was described as displaying great dedication and diligence during his time at Carleton North High School.
Jordan first met Trystin in grade nine, when Jordan said he could tell Trystin had “real potential” but was “working through challenges.” Eventually, Trystin found the right path through his involvement with the church, a worship band, and working as a camp counsellor at Camp Shiketehawk.
When Trystin returned to Carleton North High School, Jordan said he was relieved to “see [Trystin] grow and reinvent himself.” Jordan said that Trystin exemplifies “perseverance, forgiveness, and has great potential for greatness.”
Trystin will be graduating this year and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry at Kingswood University.
Ruby Doherty from Carleton North High School, introduced by Jewel McLachey, was not making the best choices at the beginning of her school year.
However, McLachey said she has truly turned herself around, and now, Ruby is “the calm in the chaos” and “the one I turn to” in the class. Ruby is now mentoring and setting an excellent example for the younger students and is “who everyone should strive to be when they grow up.”
