With an academic average of 99.8 per cent, G.P. Vanier Secondary graduate Samantha Rebitt has earned the 2020 Governor General鈥檚 Academic Medal 鈥� the highest award offered to a Canadian high school student, based on Grade 11 and 12 courses. For Rebitt, these courses include Pre-Calculus 11 & 12, Calculus 12, Physics 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, Physical Geography 12 and Spanish.
Rebitt was also awarded the Vanier Summit Shield Award (top all-around student) recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership and citizenship.
In addition to the academic excellence noted above, Rebitt was an active participant and a team leader on three different school sports teams.
鈥淭his would have been five teams if spring COVID restrictions had not been imposed,鈥� said assistant principal, Lee McKillican. 鈥淪amantha鈥檚 coaches describe her as role model, a team leader, a hard worker, and a true Vanier ambassador in sportsmanship and fair play.
鈥淚f that is not enough, Samantha was co-president in the Vanier Rotary Interact Club, a dedicated participant in the environment club and a valued member of Jack.org, an organization dedicated to making the world a safer, healthier and more enjoyable environment for everyone. In her spare time, Samantha is an accomplished musician, playing the piano at a Grade 9 conservatory level.鈥�
Vanier teacher, Andrew Young said Rebitt is deserving of the award.
鈥淚 have known Samantha for a very long time now. Over the years, I have watched her develop into, not just an exceptional student, but also, a truly genuine and extremely motivated young adult,鈥� said Young. 鈥淚 have continually been impressed with her attitude, frankness and constant work ethic. She has always pursued personal growth and has never stopped improving herself. She is, in one simple word, tenacious.鈥�
Rebitt鈥檚 short-term plans include attending Dalhousie University next year studying science or medicine, with a long-term goal of being a part of a global organization that strives to bring peace, safety and improve health around the world.
鈥淭he Vanier school community is so proud of what you have accomplished, and we look forward to seeing what you will accomplish next,鈥� added McKillican.
