BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis presented her medal awards to outstanding Grade 11 students from the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board May 25 at Central Kings.

The award, which recognizes academic achievement, leadership and community service; was first presented in 1972. They have since been awarded annually to one male and one female student in Grade 11 in high schools across the province.

Several provincial and federal level dignitaries took part in the ceremony. Former award recipient and MP for Kings Hants Scott Brison congratulated the students for “earning rather than winning” the medal.

“You have recognized your responsibility as citizens and have embraced it,” said Brison.

Fellow MP for York Centre and former NHL goalie Ken Dryden was also on hand. Speaking directly to the students, whom he referred to as “real, terrific learners,” Dryden urged them to take their experiences and “create an appetite to do more and be more involved in the world around you.”

Kings South MLA David Morse commended students for their commitment to their studies and communities. Like Dryden, he implored each of them to continue on the same path.

“We depend on you to continue in this role. It won’t be long until you are up here congratulating the next generation of award recipients,” said Morse.

During his introduction of the Lieutenant Governor, AVRSB superintendent of schools Norm Dray said the students selected for the award contradict prevalent negative stereotypes of today’s youth.

“Here we have the best of the best who are doing fine, just fine,” praised Dray.

While addressing her passion and commitment to learning as a life-long goal, Francis commended the “bright stars here before us today,” for their achievements and charged them with continuing to pursue good citizenship in their futures. Before presenting the medal to each student, she challenged the government to offer more reasons and opportunities for young people.

“Nova Scotia needs your talents and energy and I implore you to investigate your options before you go down the road. But, if you have to go, please come back,”

Francis also spoke of the need to make giving back to the community a part of life.

“It makes us more caring and compassionate people and, as a society, we must take service to our communities and our country very seriously.”

Francis’s remarks were followed by the individual medals presentations, during which she spoke to each recipient briefly while she affixed a commemorative pin.