Student Senators represent the voice of secondary students in decisions about education at Avon Maitland, and they help keep students informed about important decisions that affect them.
From the group of Senators each year, two trustees are chosen to represent the collective Senator voice on Avon Maitland’s Board.
One of those trustees is Shannon Edwards from Goderich District Collegiate Institute.
The Board meeting on June 13, 2017 was her last as she is graduating. Before she left, however, she took the floor to share a few parting thoughts.
The following is an excerpt from what she had to share:
“… I’m a strong believer that the people we meet and the experiences we have help shape who we are today. I also believe that love is through actions, and I have felt that love from each and of you. The offer of a warm, friendly smile, the invitation to sit with you at an event, the interest in the opinions of students. These are all actions you have taken to make me feel safe, welcomed and valued.
After some reflection, I remember back to my first day as a student trustee almost two years ago. I felt anxious, nervous, and unsure, but after mentorship from Burt (Jason Burt, Vice-Principal Mentor), new connections and learning experiences from OSTA and the encouragement from the board table, I felt confident in my abilities … I’m able to help with indigenous issues, hold leadership symposiums, and even inspire other students to be confident and voice their opinions. I realized that this confidence, love and happiness within myself would not have been possible without these board members and the support you provide me with, so as I head off into the next chapter of my life, I go in my abilities and I will be forever grateful for the voice and learning experiences you have granted me with.
… My life has been forever changed by this position and I have this metaphor that I would like to use. I think of myself as a quilt. Each patch or stitch put into it helps create a beautiful quilt, and the people I have met during my term and the opportunities I’ve been given have helped build me into who I am today. Thank you for allowing my light to shine. Stay in touch and continue to build student’s quilts! Keep on letting your light shine my friends!”
Shannon is heading the Laurentian University this fall to study nursing.
We wish her all the best.