High school scholars top Class of 2023

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star Katelyn Wills, Gavin Hickey, Julia Hanlon

Xuan Pham, Joyce Chabaan and Alexander Tessier all have one thing in common – they are this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Academic Medal for achieving the top overall average in the graduating class at their respective schools.

Julia Hanlon earned a 97.2 per cent average at St. Peter High School, while Gavin Hickey and Katelyn Wills tied for the top mark at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School with a 95.8 per cent average, the same average earned by Alexandre Tessier at St. Matthew High School. Because of a condensed schedule, Cairine Wilson Secondary School was unable to provide the final averages of Xuan Pham and Joyce Chabaan, before our printing deadline, although they are so close that too may end in a tie which means they will both receive the Governor-General’s Academic Medal.

Besides achieving the top overall average at their respective schools, all six medal recipients also had one other thing in common – they all did their best to balance their academic studies with outside interests.

Besides studying, Katelyn Wills was a member of Sir Wil’s varsity soccer, ultimate frisbee and senior girls volleyball teams. She also played in the school band and worked part time.

Before the school year started. Wills was

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