Editor's note: This article first appeared in the Jan. 15, 2013 print edition of The Compass
Baccalieu Collegiate in Old Perlican recently honoured its best and brightest from the 2011-12 school year with Matthew Blundon taking the prestigious Governor General Award as the top student in Level III.
The Bay de Verde native finished the night with a basket full of awards, totalling some $2,000.
The oldest son of Lewellyn and Maxine Blundon, Matthew said entering the awards night, he was not aware he was going to be receiving the award.
"I knew what the requirements were for winning, but I didn't know," he told The Compass.
He has a younger brother named Mark.
Baccalieu brings in students from Grade 7 to Level III between Winterton, Trinity Bay, and Ochre Put Cove, on the north shore of Conception Bay. The school holds many great memories for Matthew.
"There was a lot of great times," he said. "I had a great experience with teachers, especially my last year. It was an inspiring part of my life."
During his time at Baccalieu, Matthew was involved with the 295 Baccalieu sea cadet corps where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class.
Getting the Governor Generals Award was a great accomplishment for Matthew. He said it was symbolic of the hard work he put in during his last year at Baccalieu Collegiate, as well as the entirety of his high school career.
Currently attending Memorial University, Matthew is in the first year of a business degree while completing a minor in German studies.
He is not quite sure what career he hopes to pursue once his university studies are completed, but he does know where he wants to go.
"I hope to be living in Europe, pursuing business," said Matthew.
Matthew was also a part of a group of students who were a part of the 295 Baccalieu sea cadet corps and took home the Reg Button Memorial Award valued at a total of $500, presented by the Bay de Verde branch of the Navy League.
Here is a rundown of award winners at Baccalieu Collegiate:
° Matthew Blundon - Governor Generals Award; Royal Bank Scholarship; Electoral District scholarship; the Wesley and Daisy Memorial Award; the Mercedes Johnson Sellars Memorial Award; the Retired Teachers award; the Citizenship award; the Maurice J. Quinlan Memorial award; 1st place Physics 3204; 1st place English 3201; Highest average Math 3205; 1st place Level III.
° Samantha Ash - Electoral District scholarship; Roy Tiller Memorial award; senior high female athlete of the year; Chemistry 3202 award; English 3201 award; overall contribution to school (Level III); Citizenship award; Volunteer award; Wesley and Daisy Memorial award; Outstanding student Level III; 2nd place Level III.
° Michaela Garland - Centenary for Responsible Government Scholarship; Shannon Button Memorial award; Reg Button Memorial award; 3rd place Level III.
° Aaron Kelly - Reg Button Memorial Award; senior high male athlete of the year; award of distinction Level III.
° Rebecca Tizzard - 1st place Level II; Outstanding Student Level II; French 2200 award; English 2201 award; World Studies award; Biology 3201 award;
° Sarah Montgomery - Joy Button Memorial award;
° Mitchell Barrett - Senior High Drama award; Humanities award (senior high).
