Every year at Maverick Schools graduation ceremonies, four awards are presented. Please click on the links below for more information on each award.
Awards
Governor General's Academic Medal
Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive. For more than 125 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada.
At Maverick, the graduate who obtained the highest average from the previous year’s graduating class is awarded the medal and entrusted to present the alumni address at current year’s graduation ceremony. The medal is presented on behalf of the Governor General, along with a personalized certificate signed by the Governor General. There is no monetary award associated with the Medal.
Heart of Maverick
In 2010, when our founding principal, Steve Small retired, we were having difficulty summing up Steve's contribution to Maverick in a few words that would fit on the award we wished to present him. We gave the students a journal so they could write their heartwarming stories about Steve. Once again the students came through, as they always do! Steve they said is "The heart of Maverick"
To honor Steve's legacy and his 18 years of contributions to the school we decided to create an annual award. As well Steve and his wife Shannon had decided to create an annual award. So… we did what we always do. We stayed true to our core beliefs of Maverick, our student driven school, and we handed this idea over to the students and they then created the Heart of Maverick award and the criteria and process that this award would have. This award will be presented at a special class meeting during may or june. Steve and Shannon donate the cash prize and the students decided this would presented consisting of 1 one hundred dollar bill and 40 five dollar bills encased in an engraved money clip, in other words what the students wanted was a big wad of cash. A wall plaque will be displayed in the school to indicate each year's recipients
Ron Thurbide Memorial Bursary
Ron Thurbide was a founding staff member of Maverick School. He died suddenly due to complications from cancer treatment in August of 1996. During his two years at Maverick, he modeled persistence, reliability, open-mindedness, a strong work ethic, and genuine concern for personal wellness for the students and staff alike. His lasting impression lives in the school today.
Graduating students planning to attend post-secondary studies within two years of graduation may apply for the award by submitting an essay explaining how they exhibit the characteristics named above.
Leonard Family Control Theory Award
The Leonard Family Control Theory Award is presented to the graduate who best exhibits the use of Control Theory beliefs and principles in conducting their daily life.
Rempel Family Award Series
The Rempel Family Awards are presented to individuals who have exhibited dedication and commitment to personal growth in three areas:
Coffeehouse Courage Award
Visual Art Award
Outdoor Education Award
The Rempel Family also supports the Try Award which is given out weekly on Fridays. Each week staff decide on a student that has utilized a growth mindset to overcome obstacles on their pathway to learning.
Stuart & Ruth Smith Bursary
Think Big Small; Dream Big
Stuart and Ruth recognize that a catch 22 exists when students require more classes to level up at work and receive a raise, but the employer will not provide funding for classes until the courses are complete. This happened to granddaughter, Bailey, and they were able to assist her. Many students do not have family members able to support their efforts, and this has led to the decision to create the bursary for a Maverick graduate to support them in pursuing post-secondary education.
This award's name reminds us to "Think like Steve Small & Dream Big!"