Memorial High School in Sydney Mines, N.S., is proud to highlight the achievements of the 2020 graduating class. The class includes honours student Ailish Sullivan, who is described as a “change-maker” by teacher Stacey Barrie.
“She is always striving to make improvements to her school community, and the community at large,” Barrie told the SaltWire Network recently.
“The pandemic did not slow Ailish down. In fact, it energized her.”
Barrie said Sullivan continued to lead three school-based groups, promoting environmental issues and providing meals and essentials to students and seniors in her community. She also prepared and sent care packages to youth in Northern Canada living with mental health issues.
“It has been a wonderful experience for our grads to make a positive impact on our community as they complete their high school education and move on into the world,” Barrie said.
“We are so proud of Ailish for her many contributions to our school and community over the past few years.”
Pamela Francis also noted the contributions of another grad, Katie MacLennan, describing her as, “the student who has made the biggest difference at Memorial High School this year.”
Francis described MacLellan as extremely hard working and a dedicated student.
“She's a natural leader who is at her absolute finest when part of a team,” Francis said.
“We will miss her tremendously at MHS next year. But we are certain that she is going to achieve great success in her future pursuits, and there is no doubt that she will continue to empower positive change in our world.”
Music and band teacher, Steve MacInnis, also noted the contribution of grad Dane Pederson to the music program.
Pederson joined the program in Grade 5 and became a leader in the group, performing in concerts and festivals for the last eight years. Pederson plays trombone and guitar and has also performed with the renowned Men of the Deeps and in musicals at the Highland Arts Theatre and the Savoy Theatre.
Coach Danielle Bonnar is proud to acknowledge the play and leadership of graduating members of the varsity women’s basketball team, Julia Lettice and Ainslie MacDonald.
“Ainslie and Julia are outstanding young ladies who have been dedicated to the endeavors in the basketball program, as well as being exceptional students in the classroom,” Bonnar said.
“Both athletes share a combination of a positive attitude and the belief that they can always improve that is rare in a high school student.”
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Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the attribution of the remarks about MacLennan.
