Avon View athletes get shout out at awards banquet following challenging year

WINDSOR, N.S. — There were smiles, laughs and even some tears as Avon View High School athletes crossed the stage to accept awards and medals for their accomplishments over the school year.

["Jessie Bryan accepts the Female Athlete of the Year Award from Jim Bryan, the athletics director, during Avon View High School's 2016-17 sports banquet."]

And it certainly was an interesting year for those athletes, with the work-to-rule action by members of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union interrupting or cancelling many activities during the labour dispute with the provincial government.

Despite that, school staff showered the young athletes with praise for their dedication and talent at the annual sports banquet on June 7, 2017.

Jim Bryan, coach and organizer of the banquet, said it will take time for school sports to return to normal, or this may be the new normal.

“This was a real tug of war for involved teachers,” Bryan said in an email referring to work-to-rule. “We certainly do it for the student athletes but we were left with no choice as the government held an unconstitutional bill over our heads.”

Kyle Pellegrini (right) accepts the Male Athlete of the year award from Mark Tye at the Avon View High School sports banquet.

Bryan said students and some teachers formed club teams to keep some programs alive, and some other sports just ended abruptly or didn’t start at all.

“Very stressful for coaches and students who are passionate about their activities, but it is clear the general public do not really understand how much extra is done by teachers,” he said. “With the legislated contract, many teachers have just stopped doing the activities for good, which really impacts education through sport philosophy.”

Avon View won banners several banners during the school year including: regional track and field senior boys (the school’s first track and field banner), regional cheerleading banner (14 years straight), and the provincial girls rugby division 1 banner (for the third consecutive year).

"Besides the banner teams, Avon View consistently produces competitive hard working teams," Bryan said. "Our coaches go above and beyond expectations and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Avon View and the athletic department would like to congratulate all graduating student athletes, and thank them for their three years of commitment. The grads have been wonderful ambassadors and role models, not only for our school but for Hants County. "

The following are the special award winners for the 2016-17 school year.

٠ Female Athlete of the Year — Jessie Bryan

Played soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, snowboarding, badminton and rugby

٠ Male Athlete of the Year — Kyle Pellegrini