Tag Archives: 2019-2020

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know your Prefects: Simon H. ’20

Introducing Simon ’20 – a student who found countless opportunities to flourish, learn and succeed once he walked through the Marriott Gates. Check out our interview with Simon below, to see how Ridley’s community has made him proud and encouraged him to grow.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

It’s certain that here at Ridley, there are infinite opportunities and possibilities in the activities, sports, and courses I could choose. In the first term, I was so excited about joining the Second soccer team and robotics team in which I experienced different challenges and surprises every day. Choosing computer technology and art courses, which I hadn’t had a chance to learn, additionally enriched my Ridley life. The caring and inspiring peers and faculties motivated me to overcome challenges, pursue dreams, and be enthusiastic for every day. 

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

There is no doubt that the global vision and engagement at Ridley makes me proud to be a Ridleian. The culturally diverse community at Ridley has allowed me to learn and reflect on cultures and issues happening in every part of the world. My friends come from Germany, Nigeria, Ukraine, Korea, Mexico, and more, and we all have unique stories and experiences to share. The experiences provide me valuable visions on the global scale and encourage me to care about and contribute to global issues.

What is your favorite part of Ridley life?

My favorite part of Ridley life is the athletic programme. I have always wanted to have more opportunities to play soccer and tennis before coming to Ridley, and Ridley does give the opportunity. These sports really relax me, giving time away from a busy academic life and keep me energetic. Moreover, I enjoy collaborating with friends and competing with other schools.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favorite Ridley memory has been the VEX Robotics World Championship which took place in Kentucky. In the competition, I chatted and made friends with like-minded peers from diverse countries. They were all very kind and are as enthusiastic about robotics as I am. We found a lot of common topics including robotics, new technologies, and cultural differences. Moreover, during the games, we were able to communicate and collaborate with teams from the US, Mexico, Norway, and more, and engaged in global collaboration. I also realized how intense global competition is. There are top teams from different countries represented, which make the game difficult. The experience in the VEX robotics tournament is intense, inspiring, and memorable; I not only learned from competitions but also enjoyed it a lot with Mr. Reimer, Mr. McCambley and my teammates. 

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of my boarding House are the people in the house. Everyone in Arthur Bishop West is really nice and supportive. Mr. Doyle, Mr. Vasquez, and Mr. Sullivan give me a sense of security to live in my boarding house. I have many friends in my house, and we play and study together and help each other out.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment at Ridley is winning the highest proficiency award in Grade 11. The IB courses are all very interesting but challenging. I learned a wide variety of knowledge and acquired new skills which prepared me for future learning and occupations. To me, the award confirms that passion and hard-work will always create good results. With the encouragement of the award, I wish to continue sailing in the sea of knowledge and curiosity, exploring new lands out of the horizon. 

Undergraduate Prize Giving 2019

Who is your favourite faculty or staff member and why?

It’s really hard for me to decide the criteria of favourite faculty, and my teachers are all very supportive and inspiring to me. Thinking about my teachers, as I was looking at this question, the more experiences I recalled, the more confused I am, because I love all my teachers though each of them has different shinning points that touch my heart. The first faculty I thought about is Mr. Reimer, my computer science teacher and robotics coach. Not only did he give me a lot of profound and ingenious ideas in academics and life, but also did he share a lot of funny stories and experiences with me.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I am really excited to contribute to Ridley community and make it better following the great example set by last year’s Prefects. On the way, I would face challenges and difficulties, but I’m excited to overcome them.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley leads me to develop myself and remain balanced. I have participated in sports, services, and activities which improves my leadership, global vision, and social responsibility and the IB curriculum has given me high self-reflection ability and passion for applying knowledge learned. I’m confident that I’m better prepared for study at university and a career in the engineering and entrepreneur field.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

Never could one imagine how energetic and supportive the Ridley community is before being a part of it. My teachers, coaches, and friends all help me a lot when I explore new ideas and plans. So, bravely pursue your dream no matter if it’s academic, athletic, artistic or service inspired and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The whole community will support and be behind you. However, when we go for our dream, we cannot lose sight of the busyness of Ridley life. We need to manage our time wisely so that we could finish all the work in good quality and seize opportunities.

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Debbie D. ’20

Meet Debbie ’20 – a student who had a life changing experience during her Grade 9 year, that inspired her and her friends to start a service-learning trip of their own! Read more to see how leadership and service have guided her Ridley career and how she plans to lead in the coming school year.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

When I first saw Ridley, I was attracted by all the smiley faces when I walked around campus. After my tour of the school, I was attracted again by all the buildings at Ridley, and also the feeling of multiculturalism. I was thinking if I can study in such a pretty building and with people from so many different countries I would be really grateful for that.

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

Ridley has inspired me, taught me to flourish and really changed my perspectives in variety different ways. I have learned a lot and become much more mature in my time at Ridley. I am very proud to be a Ridleian.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life? 

My favorite part of Ridley is residence life. Ridley is my second home and living on campus makes me feel peaceful and happy. Being part of my residence makes me felt very included, and I like to share my life with the rest of my housemates.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favorite Ridley experience was during my Grade 9 March break. In 2017, my friends and I attended a service trip and travelled to Guatemala together. 

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

Mandeville is a united House, and every member in this house is very kind and helpful. All students in Mandeville House knows how to respect each other and love each other. All the faculty and staff in Mandeville offer help and advice, and care about the students in this house. Also, the students from Mandeville felt happy and enjoyed staying in this House, and all of us felt included and loved. 

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

I think my greatest accomplishment at Ridley would be organizing a brand-new service trip to China with a few of my friends at Ridley. In my opinion, this service trip did not only help the local students in China; it also allowed Ridley students to experience a different culture, so I think my friends and I have provided and created a really good opportunity for the Ridley student body. 

Who is your favorite faculty or staff member and why?

I like all faculty in Ridley College, and one of my favorite faculty members at Ridley is Mrs. Thompson, because she has been my Head of House since Grade 9, and in all these years, she has cared for me and helped me a lot when I needed it. She’s very kind and funny, and she made me feel really included and welcomed since the first day I joined the Ridley community, so I’m really grateful for her

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

In the upcoming year, I am very excited to help out as many students as I can, and try to come up with more creative ideas to make a better and more enjoyable life for the student body. 

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Both the academic and co-curricular programmes at Ridley have prepared me for my future. All the awesome teachers who taught me before, and all the faculty who helped me before, they all are my preparation for the future. I have learned a lot from them. All the activities I have participated in is another great way to prepare me for future because each different activity teaches me a new perspective.  Ridley has inspired me. 

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

The advice I would give prospective students about Ridley based on my three years experiences would be: enjoy every second and moment at Ridley, learn from Ridley and be inspired. 

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Jason L. ’20

Meet Jason ’20 – a student who stepped out of his comfort zone and has embraced every opportunity during his time at Ridley. Read Jason’s powerful thoughts on the community at Ridley and the environment that has allowed him to flourish.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

I didn’t have the idea of studying aboard until the year before. I realized that I will have more opportunities and really be able to do what I like. I was most excited to meet new people and maybe become friends for life. That process took me a while because I spoke poor English when I came to Canada. There were uncertainties, which actually motivated me to explore the possibilities at Ridley. I didn’t expect the great amount of activities and sports here, and I started my Ridley journey trying each one of them.

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

The community in which I live makes me proud as a Ridleian. As a new comer three years ago, I was deeply touched by how welcoming the Ridley community is. Those fantastic spirits definitely passed down and still exist. The legacy that generations of Ridleians carry is growing stronger and firmer every year. The community is encouraging, supportive, caring and enthusiastic. Even in the toughest times, members of Ridley come together and stay strong. We face obstacles, solve problems and reflect as a whole instead of an individual. The amount of support I have received in the past three years is sensational, which is leads to an extraordinary experience for me.  

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favorite part of Ridley is the arts. I love the arts and have had a passion for it starting a long time ago. The fact that Ridley is able to teach and let students explore a variety of arts is incredible for me because I didn’t have those in China. I will be either working in a visual art studio or acting on stage. There are two theater productions each year, one is a play and the other is a musical. Both of them are fantastic and give me different experiences as an actor. Of course, the co-curricular programme also has clubs and activity for the arts. I am involved in the arts council and choir for example, it’s always exciting to hear new initiatives in the arts, especially those driven by students.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favorite Ridley experience so far has been the winter theater production of 2018-2019, The Drowsy Chaperone. No one can argue that the excitement of being involved in a musical is amazing. From auditions to the final show, students actors, designers, managers and faculty directors put great efforts into this production. For me, to learn and present a tap dance number with my co-actor on stage. There is always learning no matter what you do. I believe that it is the process of learning, engaging and committing in such a large production gives me lessons of inspiration and life. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this experience possible.

The Drowsy Chaperone, by Michelle Scrivener

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of being in Merritt North is to share. Houses are like smaller communities, divisions of the entire Ridley community. Merritt North is my home away from home and the people are my second family. There’s no doubt that every year we get extremely emotional for graduation, but excited for the next year. There is a huge possibility that your best friend in Ridley is someone in the House. One of the highlights of 2018-2019 was watching the Toronto Raptors winning the NBA Championship in the common room together. Although there were only few people left in the house, our enthusiasm didn’t fade at all.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment at Ridley has been being offered a role as Prefect. This has been my goal since Grade 9. A Prefect from the Class of 2017 inspired me as a person and student, so this has been a long time promise too I suppose. Thanks, Hunter. Besides becoming a Prefect, the best feeling ever has been to be recognized and encouraged by the community. I am extremely thankful to everything that Ridley has given to me and it’s time to serve back. Terar Dum Prosim is not only a school motto, but also a motivation and an inspiration.

Who is your favourite faculty or staff member and why?

Mr. Jones is my favourite teacher at Ridley. Mr. Jones was my advisor in Grade 9, and he has been here for all Merritt North boys for five years now, which is incredible. Mr. Jones is a great science teacher with knowledge, a passionate hockey coach with enthusiasm, an Assistant Head of House with great skills and a mentor with wisdom. Mr. Jones has helped me through the toughest year of my life, and he is always there to assist the boys when they need it. He is also going to be the Merritt North Head of House next year and I look forward to work with him for my final year.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I am most exited for all new encounters. Whether it is people or things, I do want to make this a year that I will remember forever. I want to have conversations and possibly find some new friends. I am also excited to develop my initiative as Prefect, as well as hold a torch at Snake Dance.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has prepared me well in academics, sports and characteristic development, especially in leadership. Throughout my three years, I have developed new skills and gotten better in general. Without the help and support from the community, that would not have been possible.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

Be brave, be open, be positive, be thankful and be yourself. And most importantly, be true to yourself and false to no man. I believe every student has potential to be great and I wish your journey in Ridley will be good as mine.

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Johnathan A. ’20

Introducing Johnathan ’20 – a student-athlete, who truly bleeds orange and black. Check out our interview with him below to see what makes him proud to be a Tiger.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

Aside from basketball, I was most excited about the boarding experience. Boarding school was going to be a new experience for me at the time and I didn’t know what to expect. I had a lot of questions going through my mind in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year: “Will I miss home? How am I supposed to do my own laundry?”. I was also looking forward to building relationships with my peers outside of the classroom and gaining a new perspective on life by learning from kids from other countries around the world. It has been amazing, and I’ve loved it so far!

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

I’m proud to be a Ridleian because of the school’s rich and prestigious history, strong alumni network that supports the school, and the school’s commitment to service in the St. Catharines and global communities.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favourite part of Ridley life are the spirit nights. It’s an opportunity for the student population to come together and show their Tiger pride and unite. Drums…Hank the Tiger…face paint…air-horns…the atmosphere created is electric and second to none. Both as a player and a spectator cheering on other teams, some of my best memories from this past school year were from spirit nights.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favourite Ridley experience has been the annual tradition of Snake Dance. The best of part of the event is the anticipation and excitement that builds in the Houses as we get painted and fired up to prepare for a fun night around the gigantic fire.

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of Arthur Bishop West (the best House on campus), is the people from the top down. The house residential team of Mr. Doyle, Mr. Vasquez, and Mr. Sullivan have a lot of fun with us while maintaining order. All the students come together to watch big sporting events in the common room, which are fun events. We also have special traditions at night for birthdays. And I can’t forget to mention that we have the best cleaning ladies on campus (Patty and Emily)!

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

Becoming a Prefect has been my greatest accomplishment at Ridley. I worked really hard this past year in and out of the classroom and am honoured to have been selected by my peers and faculty to serve in this leadership role.

Who is your favourite faculty or staff member and why?

Ms. Becken is my favourite faculty member. As a teacher, she always challenges our thinking to find the deeper meaning and brings out our best as students. I engaged in a lot of great discussions in her history class this past year and she made learning fun. She cares a lot about our well-being and shows interest in our personal lives. I have a lot of great conversations about basketball and life with her that I enjoy.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I’m most excited about collaborating with the Prefect team to make this upcoming school year a memorable one and creating a legacy that the younger generations will remember and can look up to.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has offered me great opportunities with its high academic standards and elite basketball programme that have challenged me to be the best version of myself. Its unique programming has improved my organisational skills and discipline which will facilitate my transition to university and set me up for success in the future. Furthermore, the boarding experience has taught me how to live independently and I’ve developed life skills.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

After completing my first year at Ridley, my advice to prospective students is that time management is important. Especially as a student-athlete, it is important to find a good balance between your academics, athletics, and social life and ensure that you’re always being productive. Secondly, cherish every moment you have with your friends and peers, time flies by. You’ll be building relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Also, utilize the great resources available for extra support when needed.

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Christopher H. ’20

Meet Christopher ’20 – a boarder from Barbados, who is truly grateful for his brothers in Merritt South and the caring environment the House has provided him. Read more to find out how Ridley’s diverse community has prepared him for the future.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

I had never lived away from home before and I really enjoy being put out of my comfort zones to try new things. 

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

I am proud to be a Ridleian because there is a sense of community throughout the school that I was very welcome to. I also really like how involved everyone is with activities and helping out around the school.

What is your favorite part of Ridley life?

My favorite part of Ridley is living so close to my friends, so that I can see them on weekends and participate in events together.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favorite Ridley memory was camp at the beginning of the school year, when I was able to meet so many new people and take part in the activities.

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of being in Merritt South is that the people are really great and it’s a very accepting and relaxed environment.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment at Ridley has been becoming Prefect!

Who is your favorite faculty or staff member and why?

My favorite faculty member is my Assistant Head of House, Mr. Stephenson, because he is very funny and helps me out with advice whenever I need it.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I am most excited to be able to be around the firepit at Snake Dance, and to be involved and help out with all the school events. 

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has prepared me for my future by allowing me to interact with so many different people of different ideas and cultures. These interactions open my mind to different ways of thinking and let me experience diversity as well. I also now have a taste of what it’s like to live on my own.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

I would advise that although you may be afraid to live away from your family, enter a new school or even move countries, don’t be. If you put yourself out there and try new things, you’ll have so many new memories and even more opportunities. 

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Brendan N. ’20

Meet Brendan ’20 – a proud member of Arthur Bishop East, who has embodied what it means to be consumed in service and knows the impact that giving back can have on someone. Read more about his passion for service, the arts and athletics.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

Coming to Ridley, I was most excited about moving to the St. Catharines community because although my family roots are from Canada and we always spent summer vacations here, I had lived and gone to school overseas my whole life. When I first started, I was most excited about being part of the diverse and multicultural environment at Ridley.  Also, I knew I would be able to continue to pursue my interests in sports and music, but at the same time be challenged by a rigorous IB academic environment.

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

As a Ridleian, I am proud of the contribution that Ridley makes to the community, and truly lives by its school motto, Terar Dum Prosim. I am very proud of the positive impact I have had on the children and community during the service opportunities I have had in Guatemala and Malawi over the past three years, and how well-respected Ridley was in contributing to their community.

What is your favorite part of Ridley life?

My favorite part of Ridley life is definitely the athletic programme. Soccer has been my lifelong passion and having been a part of the First Boys soccer team for the past three years has been very important and beneficial throughout my Ridley experience. It has strengthened my friendships, my technical skills, as well as my resilience and determination. Furthermore, the integration between academics and athletics has been one of my favorite parts of Ridley life, as being able to balance both is an integral part of life at Ridley.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

Most of my favorite Ridley experiences come from school trips such as camp, service trips, sport tournaments and conferences. If I were to choose one, it would be the service trip to Malawi. For spring break in my Grade 10 and 11 years, I travelled to Malawi, Africa to help out at the Jacaranda School for Orphans. Not only did I feel pride in representing Ridley and embodying our school motto, but I was also able to learn a lot about life in Malawi and grow as a person.

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of being a part of my boarding house is being able to have a place to call home and a group of housemates to share and relax with outside the school environment – my Ridley family. There’s a lot of positive recognition and support within the House. There is so much comradery within the House, and my favorite activities are the House competitions. Although they are friendly competitions, everyone wants to do the best to help their House achieve and win.  

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

Since I came to Ridley in Grade 9, I feel like I have had numerous accomplishments, whether it be in sports, academics and arts. However, I believe being chosen to be Prefect and represent the student body and school is the greatest achievement. I am gratified to be selected by peers and faculty as a leader in the community and hope to live up to my potential as a prefect. 

Who is your favorite faculty or staff member and why?

Throughout my years at Ridley, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with faculty and staff across many areas such as academic, athletics, arts, and service. In each of their specialisms, they all excel in what they do, and they are always so open to sharing their thoughts and guidance with me to help me achieve my full potential. 

However, one teacher that I feel has played an important role during my time at Ridley is Mr. Burke. I have had Mr. Burke as a math teacher for 2 years, in addition to have gone on the service trip to Malawi with him twice. Through experiences in and out of the classroom, Mr. Burke has taught me an incredible amount.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

From when I started at Ridley, I have witnessed many great ambitions of Prefects. As an upcoming Prefect, I am excited about starting new initiatives and continuing traditions. However, I am most excited about the Snake Dance because in my opinion, this ceremony marks the beginning of a new school year and brings the entire school community together for a unique Ridley tradition. It’s always very fun and allows all the students to be themselves and have a great and memorable night to start off the school year.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley’s focus on well-roundedness through academics and a rigorous IB Diploma Programme, focus on health and fitness through its strong athletic programme, and opportunities to experience the arts has prepared me well across all facets of life. More importantly, the friendships and network that I have built will last a lifetime, and I know as a Ridleian, these connections will be invaluable. Ridley has also truly given me the opportunity to flourish both in the areas that I am already strong in, but also helped me develop my other skills.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

I would tell prospective students that Ridley provides you with so many opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and try new things that you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Take advantage of that, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Build a strong network of diverse friends that will provide you with support throughout your years here and beyond. 

Admissions, Just for fun!, Ridley News, Tips for New Ridley College Students

Get to Know Your Prefects: Angela D. ’20

Before the bells chimed for the last time, the Prefect team for the 2019-20 school year was announced, allowing for celebrations to take place and planning for September to begin. These student-leaders took the time to share a little about themselves, so that over the summer months, Ridleians, both new and old, would have a chance to get to know the Tigers that would be guiding them through the year.

Up first, is Angela ’19 – a Mandeville Duck with a remarkable voice that she uses to not only perform for her fellow Tigers, but to speak up for those in need and to spread awareness for causes near and dear to her heart. When she isn’t on stage or singing in the Chapel, she can be found on the volleyball court or the rugby pitch. Check out the interview below to see what makes her proud to be a Ridleian.

Why were you most excited to attend Ridley when you first started?

I had never been in a boarding house before Ridley, so I was really excited to be introduced to that type of environment. As well, entering Ridley as a freshman was a bit nerve racking because I had also never been in high school before. I was mainly excited to try new things, put myself out there and enjoy the high school experience.

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

I am proud to be a Ridleian because of all the things this school stands for. Whether it be through its awareness-raising initiatives, its work to give back to the Niagara community, its conscious effort to acknowledge diversity and spirit. This school always endeavors to be better and as a result, all those who interact with each other here (including myself) are made to be better, more socially-aware people, who are truly prepared to enter the real world and be consumed in service. 

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

For me, it’s a tie between sports and the arts. As much as I love performing and expressing myself (through artistic means), nothing can beat the communal experience of being on a sports team. As a team, you win and lose together and playing sports is just another way that Ridleians can form relationships with those that they otherwise would not interact with as much. In the same breath, the performing arts are my passion and this school has presented me with a lot of opportunities to express myself through singing, acting, public speaking, etc. 

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favourite Ridley experience was definitely my first time at camp in 2016. To me, that whole experience was just an incredible introduction to the spirit and sense of community that this school has. At camp, I made a lot of great friendships with girls in and outside of my House. It was a judgment and care-free environment and laughter-filled experience that really set the tone for a great first year at Ridley. 

What is the best part of being in your boarding House?

The best part of being in Mandeville is the girls. They are all my sisters from other misters! Every year, I meet more charismatic, diverse and intelligent girls and I get to learn a lot from them. Although we may have our challenges, I can positively say that I’ve formed some beautiful relationships with a lot of the girls in my house and I’m so appreciative of my school family.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot at this school. As I said before, I’ve been exposed to a lot of opportunities that I otherwise would not have had the luxury of experiencing. My accomplishments range from being in academics to being in co-curriculars (cadets) and in sports (volleyball and rugby). However, I think my greatest accomplishment has been learning to take risks, mainly putting myself out there despite my fear of judgment. As I’ve spent more years at Ridley, I’ve learned that judgment will always be their (just like in the real world) and the only person who can let that judgment impact me or limit me is myself. So, even though I’m not fully there, my greatest accomplishment at this school has been being unapologetically authentic in the manner I choose to present myself to the school community. 

Who is your favourite faculty or staff member and why?

There are many faculty members at this school who I admire for the different ways that they have impacted me. This includes my past and present teachers, coaches, activity leaders, Head of House, duty team members and the Assistant Head of House. Nevertheless, if I had to pick one person, it would have to be my advisor, Mrs. McNiven. She is the most giving, caring and understanding person I’ve ever met, and she does so much for the girls and I without acknowledging the gravity of her impact. She also knows how to set me straight when I need it and despite how much I may act like I hate it, I love her sarcastic wit. 

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I’m most excited to see what goes into planning the communal events that we have at this school. I know it’ll be hard balancing academics, activities, sports and my personal sanity. Still, Prefectship is another learning experience I am more than willing to take on. I’m also really excited to give my chapel talk because I will be speaking about a topic that matters a lot to me and that (I hope) is applicable to the experiences of many others at Ridley.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Time-Management! Our schedules are packed at this school and I think that is very fitting because that’s how it is going to be when we all get jobs and/or go university. Ridley teaches you a lot about self-discipline and the importance of having routine while embracing change and acknowledging your physical and emotional capabilities. 

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

To me, being at Ridley has been about never saying “no” for selfish reasons. It’s perfectly okay to take a step back and acknowledge when you need to have some time to yourself. However, I would say that you should never let your fears of judgment of criticism limit your actions. Take risks, don’t be afraid to fail and share who you are with the members at this school because it will all be a learning experience about the world around us.