Cydnie Patrick, a Grade 12 student who attends St. Louis Community Public School, received a $1,000 CMPA “I Will Achieve” Award at a special assembly on Monday.
School staff nominated Patrick for the award based on her abundant work in the community. An accompanying press release describing her as a good citizen and positive role model for youth.
“She’s quick to volunteer,” school principal Carol Yeo said.
“She’s quick to help out in the community … She’s really driven and has that leadership and we couldn’t be more pleased. She’s a great recipient for this award. Couldn’t have picked a better student.
“She works hard in school and … maintains her honour roll status, so we’re very proud of the work she’s done, along with her family.”
CMPA education representative COR Dr. Shelley G. Storey-Humble presented the award to Patrick at the assembly after giving a speech praising her accomplishments. Also present at the ceremony were Const. Matthew Gray and CMPA representative Kim Werrett.
Patrick was initially unaware she had been nominated and only discovered that she had earned the award upon receiving a letter in the mail.
“I was really surprised and I was happy, because it will really help towards going to school,” she said.
The award-winning student has ambitions to become a nurse and applied this year to both SIAST Kelsey Campus and the University of Saskatchewan.
She’s a great recipient for this award. Couldn’t have picked a better student. - Carol Yeo
Her career goal stems in part from a recent personal hardship.
“My dad passed away in August of cancer,” she said. “So that really motivated me more to do it.”
The long list of accomplishments to her name certainly increases the likelihood that Patrick will be able to attend her post-secondary institution of choice.
She is currently president of the Student Representative Council, which organizes various events around the school. Patrick has sat on the council since she was in the tenth grade.
Quick to volunteer in the community, she is active with the Relay for Life and regularly helps out at church functions. She also has an after-school job working at a local walk-in clinic.
With so much on the go, it’s a wonder how Patrick manages to find time for it all.
“I guess I work it in around schoolwork and stuff,” she said, adding, “I don’t have the most free time.”
The hard-working teen expressed gratitude for the official recognition of her efforts.
“I’m really thankful to my teacher and my principal for nominating me for it,” she said.
