BA students get honored by Lieutenant-Governor: Music Monday and TOPS

The nice part of this column is reporting on our youth and some of the positive news that happens with our local student population and we’ve got big news for you about two BA sec 5 students. Just recently, students Audrey Beauregard and TJ Vaudry-Read were informed they will be the recipients of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Bronze Youth Medal.

There is a criteria for receiving the medals Students, besides being in a recognized educational institution, must be capable of attaining the objectives of their program of studies, and have had demonstrated self-sacrifice and the ability to surpass themselves through tangible commitment within their school or community

The students must have also been recommended by the principal of their educational institution, and as well, there can only be two students, one male and female, from the same institution

Also, a member of the institution’s teaching staff designated by the principal must in the application or nomination form justify the choice of each student by writing a text of up to 250 words describing the candidate’s achievements and the context in which he and she has demonstrated self-sacrifice and the ability to surpass him or herself.

Audrey and TJ received their medals in a gala ceremony this past Sunday May 6th at UQAM which was presided over by the Quebec Lieutenant Governor, the Honorable Pierre Duchesne, which included parents, relatives, government and education officials, and the invited media. We certainly were on hand to take in all the excitement for these two deserving students. Congrats to Audrey and TJ.

Music Monday at Verdun Elementary

This past Monday was the first Monday of May, and we all know what that means. It was Music Monday as schools across Canada perform the same song at the same time in their local times. They, once again, sang that wonderful song from last year, “Tomorrow is Coming,” written by singer-songwriter Luc Doucet. The chosen theme song changes every two years, thus there will be a new one next year.

Music Monday is an annual event that brings together thousands of students, musicians, parents and community members across the country to celebrate the gift of music in our lives, on the same day at the same time. The Coalition for Music Education launched Music Monday in 2005, and is designed to bring awareness about the importance of a music education in our schools.

Music teacher Miss Jennifer resplendent in her music Monday hat, was back in her familiar spot in the school yard on the Melrose side, leading the whole students body in song, which included previous theme songs from past Music Mondays, and it was under a sunny sky and a warm spring temperature that a large crowd of parents and friends gathered to watch the school sing in unison, which also attracted the attention of our good friends from Global TV, which made for a neat clip on their supper hour newscast. So bring on Music Monday on Monday, May 6th.

BA At TOPS and Spring Concert

The Lester B. Pearson School Board held their annual board wide talent show showcasing the cream of the crop of singers, dancers, and musicians. As usual, Beurling Academy sent a contingent of students, who, along with others from the Board, played to 3 sold-out shows.

The BA contingent was made up of Miss Dawn Campbell’s Dance Crew who have been gathering much deserved attention these past years at BA’s dance shows, and just recently, at the Riverview CLC Cultural Expo. They will also be competing in the Quebec Dance Competitions this weekend which is held at the BA auditorium.

Two students provided the singing side of things. Miss Tishawna Callender, was part of a group of vocalists on a Beyonce medley, but really shone on with four other students on that lovely Tracy Chapman classic, “Fast Car”. Student Syerra Ninnim was also front and centre on the song “Telephone” and again, with other singers and musicians, was backed up by the TOPS All-Star Dance Team, which includes, arguably, BA’s leading dancer, these past few years, Miss Destini Maighan.

TOPS will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, and the word is, that they intend to pull out all the stops in what promises to be the best show ever. So we look forward to TOPS 2013.

And a reminder, that the annual spring music concert, under the direction of BA’s music teacher par excellence Gary Lindner, who makes a return to lead his music students after that very serious injury just before the postponed Christmas concert back in December.

This is one of those shows that gets one in the mood those jazz festival days of summer and the chance to take in the musical talent of the BA music department, and you know with Gary Lindner and what kind of surprises or special guests that might just drop by. The show is on Thursday, May 31st at 7 pm at the BA auditorium and cost is $5.00.

Beurling Academy Grad car wash

Beurling Academy will be holding a car wash in support of the Grads of 2012 this coming Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm in front of the school, which is located at 6100 Champlain Blvd, near Brown Blvd. The cost is $5.00 for cars and $7.00 for vans, and while you wait, you will be able to munch on a hot dog from the grill, along with chips and a drink all for just $3.00. So see you at the car wash and support the class of 2012!!