On Thursday evening (May 18), Pontiac High School held their athletic banquet with a packed auditorium, celebrating the achievements of a number of students throughout the year.
The evening kicked off with a video message from Teena Murray, an alumnus who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Integrated Performance for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. Murray filmed her address in the Penguins' dressing room, and told the students that there's no short-cut to success.
In addition to the recognition of students, teacher Jordan Kent also spoke about the accomplishments of long-time PHS physical education teacher Brenda Davis, who received the Leadership in Athletics award.
Physical Education teacher Darcy Findlay said that celebrating the students' accomplishments was critical to building a culture of excellence in the athletics department.
The awards were as follows:
Leadership in Athletics - Brenda Davis
Junior Male Athlete of the Year - Gibbson Lang
Junior Female Athlete of the Year - Ruby Maloney
Senior Male Athlete of the Year - Hunter Beauregard
Senior Female Athlete of the Year - Hannah Twolan
Boys Hockey
Offensive player - Hunter Beauregard
Defensive player - Bryce Hudson
MVP - Bennett Rusenstrom
Sportsmanship - Cade Kuehl
Girls Hockey
Offensive player - Paige Dubeau
Defensive player - Laura Mayhew
Cross-Country
Top Male - Gibbson Lang
Top Female - Ruby Maloney
Most improved - Isaac Graham
Senior Girls Basketball
Rookie of the Year - Julia Smith
Coaches Award - Peyton Ireland
MVP - Hannah Twolan
Senior Boys Basketball
Most improved - Morgan Barr & Ryder Lemay
Rookie of the Year - Charlie Ouellette
Heart of a Panther- James Weston
MVP - Tristan Chasels & Hunter Beauregard
Junior Boys Basketball
Sportsmanship - Cameron Bernier
Hustler - Hudson Sheppard
Dedicated - Ashton Deschenes
Junior Girls Basketball
Sportsmanship - Josephine Hutton
Hustler - Ruby Maloney
MVP - Emma Hobbs
Coaches award - Emilie Giroux
Dedication - Kori Sharpe
Track and Field
Top Male - Charlie Ouellette
Top Female - Paige Dubeau
Grade 7 - Male/Female Athlete of the Year - Cameron Bernier & Ruby Maloney
Grade 8 - Male/Female Athlete of the Year - Gibbson Lang & Faith Hamilton
Grade 9 - Male/Female Athlete of the Year - Bennett Rusenstrom & Julia Smith
Grade 10 - Male/Female Athlete of the Year - Charlie Ouellette & Hannah Twolan
Grade 11 - Male/Female Athlete of the Year - Hunter Beauregard & Peyton Ireland
Outstanding Contribution to Athletics Student - Peyton Ireland Staff - Jodi Thompson
The full interview with Findlay is available below: