North Star High School’s academics honoured at “Night of Excellence”

Honour Roll students from North Star High School gather for a group photo as part of the school’s “Night of Excellence” last Wednesday night.

The best of the academic best at North Star High School were recognized last week.

The Amherstburg public high school held its “Night of Excellence” last Wednesday evening in the school’s gymnasium where 242 students were honoured for making the honour roll in the 2024-25 school year. Those students were from last year’s Grade 9, 10 and 11 classes.

Broken down, there were 77 Grade 9 students who made the honour roll for their marks in 2024-25, 68 Grade 10 students and 97 from last year’s Grade 11 class.

Stephanie Mongeau, head of the guidance department at North Star High School, said over half of the students in the school not currently enrolled in Grade 9 made the honour roll.

“That is because we’re a wolfpack,” said Mongeau. “We’re a community school where everyone is supported and everyone is helped to reach their full potential.”

Stating that academic excellence is more of an individual achievement as opposed to sports teams, clubs or group events, Mongeau added it is something that is achieved on a daily basis.

“Tonight is your night to shine,” Mongeau told the students in attendance at the “Night of Excellence” awards night.

Parents, guardians and school staff were also thanked as part of the evening’s festivities. Vice principal Jason Lynn also noted the culinary students and the tech team, calling them the “unsung heroes” of last Wednesday night.

“We’re really proud to have hands-on learning here at North Star with teachers from within the industries,” said Lynn.

Staff work tireless hours with students, Lynn added, and said he witnesses it on a daily basis.

“Public education is alive and well,” he said.

Lynn also thanked the students for their work ethic, noting that trait will be what gets them ahead in life.

“When you want something, set goals and go after it,” he told the students.

Families encouraged learning at an early age, Lynn added, and that the fruits of their labour are just being realized.

The school’s “Leaders of the Pack,” the top average earners for those who achieved distinction in their grade or program, were also recognized. Left photo, from left: Aarush Malbari, Jack Schmidtgall, Lydia Mereszak, Tammi Paquette, Ayaan Kureshy and Evelyn Garneau. Colin Forte was absent from the photo.

The “Leaders of the Pack” Awards, given to students with the highest average or distinction in their grade or program, went to Evelyn Garneau (Gr. 9), Aarush Malbari (Gr. 10), Lydia Mereszak (Gr. 11), Jack Schmidtgall (Jr. MAPS), Colin Forte (Sr. MAPS) and Ayaan Kureshy and Tammi Paquette (STEPS).

North Star High School’s academics honoured at “Night of Excellence”

By Ron Giofu