Tag Archives: hockey

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

Get to Know Your Prefects: Max C. ’20

July 30, 2019 1517347

Meet Max ’20 – a boarder from California, who has found home at Ridley, as a member of Dean’s House. Although he can often be found in the Tiger Arena, this athlete has a knack for science as well! Read some of the highlights of his first year at Ridley below.

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

Coming to Ridley, the thing I was most excited for was to play ice hockey and be a part of the Ridley boarding school culture.

What makes you proud to be a Ridleian?

I am proud to be a Ridleian because of the variety of things that Ridley strives and excels in. At Ridley, our culture cannot be defined as solely a sports school or academic school because we have a student body that can be and is successful in so many different aspects.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favourite part of Ridley is the boarding life offered. Boarding life truly adds to the Ridley culture and atmosphere of connecting us and bringing our community together. The culture within our boarding Houses has allowed me to form some of the strongest bonds and friendships that I have in my life.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

Road trips with my hockey team have been some of my greatest Ridley experiences in the last year. Road trips were a huge part of the journey last year with my team. In the moments from hotel room fun to warming up at the ice rink, I have had the time of my life with my best friends and teammates.

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

Having my friends nearby all the time. This makes living in the house always a super fun experience with many friends to share the good times with.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Ridley?

Winning the award for the best medical sciences project in the Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This reward was the accumulation of countless hours, help from my teachers, and dedication into a project that I was truly passionate about. That is why winning this award and receiving the recognition for my project has been one of the most meaningful and greatest accomplishments of my life.

Who is your favourite faculty or staff member and why?

My favorite faculty member is Mrs. Roud. As both a teacher and Head of House, she is so caring and helpful. Without her constant love and support there is no way that I could have had such an amazing first year at Ridley.

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

I am very excited for many things in the role of a Prefect. What I am most excited for however is to be a role model in the Ridley community and have the chance to inspire other students. Coming to Ridley, I looked up to the Prefects and they were a great inspiration to me. Now, I am excited be a role model for other students and inspire them just as I was as a new student.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has taught me how to challenge myself and has shown me that when I push myself, I can accomplish so much more than I previously thought. The opportunities that Ridley has given has influenced me to step out of my comfort zone and learn so much more about who I am and want to be in the future.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

The one piece of advice that I would give to Ridley students is to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that Ridley has to offer. Ridley has so many opportunities for students of all interests. For me, this meant pursuing the IB Diploma and also playing Prep Hockey. And, even if you have never tried some of these things or are nervous of stepping out of your comfort zone, Ridley is an amazing opportunity to try new things with a student body and faculty that will be nothing but supportive.

Awards, Ridley News, Sports, Upper School

Shailynn Snow ’19 Named to Team Canada Roster

December 11, 2018 1517347

It is with great excitement that we announce Shailynn Snow ’19 has been named to Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 hockey team. The 23-player roster will travel to Obihiro, Japan this coming January to compete at the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Hailing from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, the 18-year forward has spent the past three seasons playing for Ridley College’s Prep Girls hockey team, which competes in the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) under Head Coach, Amanda Wark.

“Shailynn is one of the most elite student-athletes in our country, which is a result of her hard work and desire to be the best she can possibly be. Shay has the ability to single-handedly change the outcome of any game she is in. She is a great leader both on and off the ice and has gained the respect of her teammates and opponents alike. Making Team Canada is a huge honour for her, and one that she has worked for every day. To see this come true for her is rewarding for everyone involved.” – Amanda Wark, Head Coach

This is the second time in her career that Snow will proudly wear the maple leaf as she also appeared in two of three showcase games played between the National Women’s Under-18 Team and the United States Under-18 squad this past summer.

“My time spent at Ridley has not only helped me develop as a player, but also a person. The support I have received during my time here has encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and look forward to joining my new teammates in late December.” – Shailynn Snow ‘19

Upon graduation from Ridley College this spring, Shailynn will continue her academic and athletic endeavors on a full scholarship to St. Lawrence University to compete in the NCAA.

Canada will open the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship against Sweden on January 5th at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. The schedule also has Canada matching up against the United States and Russia to round out the preliminary round on January 7th and 8th, respectively. The gold medal game is set to take place at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Sunday, January 13th.

About Ridley College:
Since 1889, Ridley College has provided enriching educational experiences focused on the arts, academics, service and athletics. With 700 students from 63 countries, Ridley is a truly international, coeducational, day and boarding school. In recent years, the school has become the Canadian leader in positive education. The Lower School offers JK to Grade 8 classes, while its Upper School consists of Grade 9-12. Ridley is an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school, with graduates who attend top universities and colleges around the globe.

Alumni, Ridley News, Sports, Upper School

TransfORming Our Globe – Marina Radovanovic ’14

January 31, 2018 1517347

For this month’s installment of the TransfORming Our Globe blog series, we’re sharing the story of alumna, Marina Radovanovic ’14, who is embarking on an entrepreneurial endeavour to facilitate philanthropic efforts of others. Her company, HeroHub – which will change the way we connect with charities – was one of three finalists given the chance to pitch to Bruce Croxon ’79 and other successful entrepreneurs during Brock University’s Monster Pitch.

During her illustrious time at Ridley, which spanned from 2011 to 2014, Marina perfected the balance between her academic career and her co-curricular one. While maintaining academic proficiency, she simultaneously became a driving force behind the First Girls hockey team, was heavily involved in Mandeville House and was Captain of the First Girls soccer team. While she bounced from one passion to another, she could often be found living out our school’s motto, Terar Dum Prosim, which she continues to embody today. “Ridley is what made me fall in love with giving back and committing my free time to community service work,” shares Marina.

Marina was introduced to the world of business during her first year at Ridley and soon discovered that the industry held limitless possibilities. She was enthralled in her classes, and thanks to experiential assignments, took a keen interest in the area of entrepreneurship.

“Mr. [Andrew] McNiven gave me the drive to do my best. His implementation of ‘real-life’ business projects in class formed my dream of being an entrepreneur in the future.” – Marina Radovanovic ’14

Marina’s entrepreneurial spirit and innate desire to give back persisted throughout her Ridley years. After graduating in 2014 and settling into life at Brock University, she chose to spend her free time improving the lives of others. She and her future business partner began scouring the web in search of charitable events in the area but had a difficult time turning up results. That is when HeroHub was born.

HeroHub will allow individuals to search for events, explore volunteer opportunities and discover what types of donations an organization will accept. On the other side, charities will be able to create a profile and in turn, gain support. Although they are still in the midst of development, Marina and her partner have taken every opportunity to research, explore and promote their new-found business.

Most recently, Marina participated in Monster Pitch; a competition at Brock University that allows young entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea to successful professionals. HeroHub was one of only three finalists to present on stage. Among the judges was Bruce Croxon ’79, Ridley alumnus well-known for his role on Dragon’s Den. Marina reflects, “to see an Old Ridleian and three other renowned judges fighting for the microphone to provide feedback for your business, there are no words to explain the jolt of adrenaline shivering through your body.” The competition offered Marina and her partner the opportunity to effectively promote their new venture while gaining valuable insight into what makes a business successful.

If her drive to change the world wasn’t enough, Marina has made it her goal to empower women in the field of business. She hopes her story will inspire young women to pursue their goals, regardless of what obstacles may stand in their way.

As a recent graduate and a young entrepreneur, Marina leaves her fellow Ridleians with this advice:

“Great ideas come from great passion. When you do what you love, you will never look back. The positive light from doing what you love will unknowingly motivate others to do the same!” – Marina Radovanovic ’14

TransfORming Our Globe is a blog series where we share the exciting stories of alumni who are leading flourishing lives and changing the world. It is important to Ridley College to support our alumni and share the stories of Old Ridleians, who discovered their passion and found success and happiness down the path of their choosing.

Do you know of any classmates that are living flourishing lives or transforming our globe? Email any suggestions for the TransfORming Our Globe blog series to development@ridleycollege.com.

Just for fun!, Sports, Upper School

Ridley College Prep Girls Compete with Chinese National Athletes as Hockey Grows on The Other Side of The World

October 25, 2017 1517347 1 Comment

In another Ridley College first, the Prep Girls Hockey team hosted Team China Tuesday evening for an exhibition match at Tiger Arena and a meal in the Great Hall. The touring team from the world’s most populous nation was made up of nine National team athletes including team captain Zhang Mengying who was a member of the Olympic team in Sochi Russia in 2014.

It was a great match with plenty of physicality and skill. The Tigers held the territorial advantage through much of the game and scored a goal in each period leading 3-0 in the third. Part way through the final stanza, China seemed to find another gear leading to multiple quality scoring chances and the visitors’ loan goal of the game which ended in a 3-1 final.

After the match, Coach Wark and the Tigers hosted the Chinese team for a meal in the Great Hall and an abbreviated tour of campus.

This great international event demonstrates the growth of the game on the Asian continent that Ridley saw firsthand last April when Coach McCourt, Coach Barron and Director of Athletics, Jay Tredway visited a guest coach at a camp in Beijing and a tour and consult with multiple schools that are endeavoring to make Canada’s game their game as well.

It is a unique time in the evolution of hockey in China and Ridley’s developing interaction in supporting their efforts to grow the game will continue.

Ridley News, Sports

Ottawa Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk Launches The Organ Project

March 6, 2017 1517347

7-Time Grammy Award Sensation Carrie Underwood to Headline The Organ Project’s Gala in Toronto

Eugene Melnyk, Ridley parent, Owner of the Ottawa Senators, and himself an organ transplant recipient, launched a major philanthropic initiative called The Organ Project, whose mission is to end the waitlist for all transplant patients.

In May 2015, Mr. Melnyk received an anonymous liver donation that saved his life. From that moment on, he made it his mission to help all patients who are in desperate need of an organ transplant.

The Organ Project is focused on building greater awareness to organ donation, reducing organ transplant wait times and to increasing the number of people registered as organ donors.

“Every three days in Ontario, someone dies waiting. … The good news is this is truly a solvable problem because we don’t need to find a cure for waiting,” says Melnyk. “Our goal is to make organ donation as normal and expected as wearing your seatbelt. Both save lives and both are a choice you can make and embrace.”

The Organ Project is holding an inaugural gala on March 31, to help kick off April as Organ Donation Awareness Month. The Organ Project Gala will be an exclusive event held at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto and will feature a performance by seven-time Grammy winner, Carrie Underwood.

The Organ Project is another opportunity for our school community to show its commitment to service and we hope our extended Ridley family will consider supporting this meaningful cause.

View sponsorship and ticket details.

Alumni, Ridley News

TransfORming Our Globe – Greg Stremlaw ’90

September 27, 2016 1517347

For this month’s installment of the TransfORming Our Globe series, we’re sharing the story of alumnus, Greg Stremlaw ‘90, who has had a record-setting career in public and private sport, and is now the Head of CBC Sports as well as General Manager of the Olympics for Canada and the Chef de Mission for the Rio Olympic Games.

Greg began his Ridley career in 1987 and graduated in 1990. He excelled in academics – graduating as an Ontario Scholar – and was heavily involved in athletics. For all three years that he spent at Ridley, he was a member of both the First Boys’ soccer and hockey teams. Greg also competed on the track and field team and the golf team. It was clear that he had a special place in his heart for sports. Although athletics were a huge part of his Ridley journey, that wasn’t the only aspect of Ridley life that impacted Greg. He graduated in 1990, with a well-rounded skill set that truly benefitted him in his post-secondary career and beyond.

“Ridley placed a heavy emphasis and mandate on being well-rounded… Prioritization was critically important for success at Ridley and that skill set has come to serve me very well as an executive in my career.” – Greg Stremlaw ’90

After graduating from Ridley, Greg began his post-secondary career at Western University, completing his undergraduate degree in business. He then attended the University of Maine, where he obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. After achieving his Master’s, many opportunities arose for Greg, but his thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He took a position at the Orange Bowl and enrolled at the University of Miami for a Master’s degree in sports management. It was this decision – combined with the skills he gained from Ridley and his business knowledge – that launched Greg’s career in sport management.

Once he had experience with the Orange Bowl and a new sports management degree from University of Miami, he returned to Canada to step into his role as the Director of Bobsleigh and Luge and Vice President of Sport Services for the Calgary Olympic Development Association – now known as WinSport Canada. After six years in Calgary, Greg became the Chief Executive Officer of Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort in Ontario. In 2007, Greg was named the Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada. While there, Greg encouraged innovation that led to the organization’s massive financial turnaround. His work with Curling Canada also helped the country become the number one nation in the global rankings for men’s, women’s, and wheelchair curling. In 2015, Greg made his next big move, and joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as the new Head of CBC Sports.

2015, Calgary Ab, 2017 Curling Canada Announcement, Curling Canada C.E.O. Greg Stremlaw, Curling Canada/michael burns photo

Greg says his favourite part about working at CBC has been the atmosphere created by the passionate and enthusiastic colleagues he is surrounded by every day.

“Ultimately, there are some exceptional staff at CBC and the experience and extensive corporate knowledge is impressive. CBC Sports is one of the most iconic brands in Canada and the staff fully appreciate this and want to continue to deliver broadcast and digital excellence. It is a real privilege to come to work and see this enthusiasm and passion each and every day.” – Greg Stremlaw ‘90

Since he began at CBC, Greg’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. In this past year, Greg was also appointed as the General Manager of the Olympics for Canada and the Chef de Mission for the Rio Olympic Games that happened this summer. This year, along with his team in Rio, he set a record for most coverage and most accessibility of the Olympic Games in Canadian history; providing 1,300 hours of televised events, 100 hours of 360-degree coverage and 4,000 hours of live-streaming event coverage. More Canadians tuned into watch the Summer Games than ever before, with a total count of 32.1 million viewers.

“The Olympic Games are the largest sporting event in the world and there is absolutely nothing like the excitement they bring and the stories generated from them. The best athletes from Canada and around the world inspired us day after day in Rio and it was our privilege to share these moments of triumph and heartbreak with so many Canadians. CBC/Radio-Canada is proud to be Canada’s Olympic Network through 2024, and to continue to shine a spotlight on these athletes and their stories at the Games and also year-round through our weekly coverage of high-performance sport.” – Greg Stremlaw ’90

Greg’s accomplishments don’t end there. He was also named to the Globe & Mail’s Power 50 List of Sports Leaders in Canada and recently completed a Harvard Executive Education program at Harvard Law.

Greg’s endless drive, determination and dedication has led him to have a successful and rewarding career. To other Ridleians who are trying to decide which path to take, Greg says this:

“There are an incredible amount of opportunities that exist out there and before you commit to anything, be absolutely sure that you are going to be fully satisfied with your career choice. There is no doubt that Ridley provides you with an incredible advantage over most high school students in Canada. With that, take the time to grow that into something that you will be passionate about in life. It is an amazing feeling to get up every morning and love to come to work to do what you enjoy and feel that you are making a difference.”

Do you know of any classmates that are living flourishing lives or transforming our globe? Email any suggestions for the TransfORming Our Globe blog series to development@ridleycollege.com.

Ridley News, Sports

Maclean’s Magazine: Private Schools Feature, September 19th Issue

September 13, 2016 1517347 1 Comment

Ridley College: Elite Opportunity

Written by John Southerst, edited by Allison Grande

As the only International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum boarding school in Canada, Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ont. stands tall in academics. But what may surprise some is their powerhouse status in hockey.

When eight members of the Ottawa Senators, including Mark Stone and Zack Smith, took to the ice with the elite boys’ and girls’ hockey teams at Ridley last April, they were working with players who are accustomed to top-level instruction in a premium facility.

“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to not only meet these world-class athletes, but also to get a chance to learn from them during the practice sessions,” says Ridley headmaster Ed Kidd. The hockey program at Ridley, he adds, is designed to give students “the independence and responsibility that teaches the leadership and discipline to be an elite athlete.”

Ridley’s hockey tradition goes back to the 1800s, when teams played on Twelve Mile Creek running alongside the St. Catharines, Ont., campus and in Nicholl’s Hall – a covered rink built at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Ridley’s $11-million arena and fieldhouse project, funded out of alumni donations, houses the ice surface, a state-of-the-art strength- and-conditioning centre, athletic therapy clinic, custom locker rooms and a generous top-level concourse area above the seats displaying hockey photos over the years.

“The arena project turned the old arena into an adjoining fieldhouse subdivided into sections, allowing multiple uses simultaneously, including a rubberized competition-grade floor for other sports,” says director of athletics Jay Tredway. Five Ridley teams use the arena, he adds – boys’ and girls’ “first” teams of elite players, varsity boys’ and girls’ “second” teams, and a co-ed under-14 team.

But perhaps most importantly, Ridley has leveraged its facility byhiring team trainers and a dedicated strength-and-conditioning coach, along with respected head coaches. Mike McCourt, a former Canadian national team, AHL and European league player and NCAA and OHL coach, leads the boys’ first team. Former Team Canada player and under-22 national team summer coach Amanda Benoit-Wark coaches the elite girls.

Nevertheless, Tredway says the overall hockey program’s objectives are directed at all students, not just elite athletes, and remain educational. “Being active makes you a better student,” he says. “We want to ingrain the importance of daily play activity. We are all athletes. Life is athletic even if you’re not in a competitive framework.”

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

Get to Know Your Prefects: Sarah K. ’17

August 17, 2016 1517347

Introducing Sarah Kohut ’17 – a student who sees Ridley as a place where she can pursue both her academic and athletic dreams, without compromise. Hear how she is taking every opportunity to reach her full potential.

Why did you choose Ridley?

Before coming to Ridley, I’d played hockey in the arena a few times and fully believed Ridley was a university. When I learned it wasn’t, my parents asked me if I’d be interested in touring the school. When I toured the school, the welcoming atmosphere, strong academic and athletic programmes and the multitude of extracurriculars helped me realize that Ridley was the place for me. I had my mind set that I’d be attending Ridley for my Grade 9 year.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

In all honesty, I was not prepared coming to Ridley, whatsoever. I didn’t know what to expect, and had never been to a brand new school before. Growing up in a small town, I was petrified to go from knowing everyone to knowing no one. In the long run, I’m happy I was so terrified! Being terrified forced myself to reach outside of my comfort zone and build the necessary confidence to form the friendships I have to this day!

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

I have too many favourite faculty members to name; I think they’re all incredible people. If I had to name a few, they would be: Mr. Straus, Mrs. Darby and Ms. Scott. Mr. Straus never fails to make me laugh, and never gave up on trying to teach me Grade 10 Math (it wasn’t easy), Mrs. Darby has given me constant support throughout my time at Ridley, and Ms. Scott always encourages me to reach outside of my comfort zone.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge has definitely been adjusting to the busy lifestyle. At Ridley, you often have a lot on your plate at one time – whether it be academics, athletics, activities… or all of the above. From initially developing my time management skills when I started Ridley, to redefining them as I transitioned into the International Baccalaureate Programme, it has always been something that I’ve needed to keep on top of.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

The accomplishments achieved throughout my time at Ridley – big or small – have been never-ending. My smaller accomplishments – such as mastering an about-turn in cadets, or learning to manage my time efficiently – have provided the foundation for the larger achievements in my later years – such as earning rank in the Cadet Corps or taking on the IB Programme. Even though I’m very proud of how far I’ve come, my greatest accomplishment will always be being appointed as a school Prefect.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favourite Ridley experience has been either going to Camp White Pine at the start of each school year, or Snake Dance. Getting the school together and being able to just have fun with your peers and celebrate your school pride has always been something I look forward to, and has created memories I’ll never forget!

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

It’s hard to put my finger on one specific part of Ridley life that’s my favourite! I definitely love the way Ridley incorporates both academics and athletics into your school life. Both are things I value tremendously and it’s great to have them both incorporated into your daily schedule, without conflict! I also enjoy the house system. I’m a day student, and it’s an incredible feeling to be a part of a house and have a group of 50 girls that are always there for you! Go G-West!

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

I’m most excited to have a better opportunity to be able to connect with the student body, and be able to encourage each student to push themselves and reach their full potential. Students identify a Prefect as someone to confide in or reach out to for advice, and I’m more than excited to be able to be that person!

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has prepared me immensely for the future. The values that are taught at Ridley are applicable to all areas of your life, at any age. My time management skills, work ethic, collaborative skills and consideration for others, that have developed throughout my years at Ridley, are something I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I’m extremely grateful for!

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend university in Canada and pursue a degree in criminology, and then a degree in criminal law.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

I would tell prospective students to “go get ‘em tiger!” Once you start at Ridley, you become a part of a group of incredible Ridley Tigers before you and after you, that have all had the opportunity to call Ridley home. Ridley offers so many different things that are just waiting to be tried; the opportunities are endless. Making the most of your time at Ridley would be experiencing everything you can, and never holding yourself back. Take Ridley by storm and go get ‘em!

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

Get to Know Your Prefects: Will C. ‘17

August 3, 2016 1517347

Introducing Will Cowherd ’17 – a Prefect who has seized every opportunity that Ridley has presented him, and intends on doing the same in his final year of high school.

Why did you choose Ridley?

I chose to go to Ridley because it was always a dream of mine, ever since my sisters first attended. When the opportunity to go to Ridley presented itself to me in Grade 5, I took it and never looked back.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

I’ve been at Ridley since Grade 5, so when I first came, I didn’t really know what to expect. After starting at Ridley, I realized it truly was an amazing place.

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

One of my favourite faculty members at Ridley would have to be Mr. McNiven. He has been my advisor since Grade 10 and has been a great help to me at Ridley over the years. He has helped me with schoolwork, sports and community service, on many occasions. He is always willing to help, which is why he is such a great advisor.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge at Ridley has been managing my time with all my schoolwork, sports and extracurricular activities. Ridley is a busy place and can quickly get overwhelming if you do not stay on top of all your work. This is also why Ridley is such a great place; it teaches you great time management skills and how to be an efficient worker.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

One of my biggest accomplishments at Ridley so far has been winning the MPHL championship with the First Boys hockey team. Playing on the First Boys hockey team was always a dream of mine since I started at Ridley, so winning a championship with the team was amazing.

What has been your favourite Ridley experience?

Ridley has given me the chance to experience many amazing things, but I think the best experience that Ridley has made possible for me is travel. Since going to Ridley, I’ve gone on a service trip to Asia and an exchange to Australia. These experiences are ones I’ll remember for the rest of my life and they wouldn’t have been possible without Ridley.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favourite part about Ridley life is exactly that – Ridley life. Ridley is so much more than just a school; it’s a lifestyle and that’s what makes Ridley so great. You do everything there – from playing sports, to going to class and eating all your meals. The best part is that you get to do all of that, while being surrounded by great people and great friends.

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

The part of being a Prefect that I am most excited for is to be able to help younger students discover everything that this school has to offer. Ridley is an amazing place that has many amazing opportunities to explore.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has not only prepared me for the future by giving me an amazing education, but also by teaching me how to be a well-rounded individual. From learning about cultures as a result of traveling or managing my time with a crazy schedule, Ridley has prepared me more and more everyday for the future.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

My advice for future Ridleians is to take every opportunity that Ridley has to offer you. Whether it’s travelling or playing sports, try everything that you possibly can. You don’t want any opportunities to pass you by.

Ridley News, Ridley Traditions, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Upper School

Get to Know Your Prefects: Hunter B. ’17

July 20, 2016 1517347

Introducing Hunter Bettens ’17; a Prefect whose dream became a reality when he discovered a place he could skate, learn and grow all under one roof. Now, as he enters Grade 12, he has big dreams for his final year and his future.

Why did you choose Ridley?

I chose Ridley because of hockey and the education. Since I was young, I always dreamed about attending a private school and playing hockey at the same time. I felt Ridley gave me the best of both worlds; a great hockey schedule with many opportunities to showcase yourself, and a challenging academic schedule that I feel is really preparing me for university and the real world.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

Mentally, I always wanted to attend a private school, so I knew what it was going to take and I had the right mindset coming to Ridley. The thing I didn’t expect is that I didn’t decide to come to Ridley until a week before school actually started! I came to school with the mindset, but everything sort of hit me in the face so quickly! I had to buy supplies, I had to leave everyone home in a hurry, and I needed to adapt. So in the physical aspect, I definitely didn’t feel prepared. However, within weeks of meeting new people and getting used to Ridley, I eased into a routine and got very comfortable, which abled to me to overcome any unpreparedness I had going into the school year.

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

Even though each faculty member at the school is unique and each relationship between each faculty member is different, I would have to say my favourite faculty member is Mr. Park. I love geography, and this was the first time I could ever take an actual geography course outside of my own curiousty within the subject. In taking this course, my teacher was Mr. Park, and he shares the same passion for geography that I have, as well as being a person who loves and appreciates sports. When I am away for hockey, Mr. Park always jokes about how I missed a very important lesson, or that I missed some crucial piece of information that was only discussed on the day I missed. But besides the jokes he always asks me how the games went, and that is something for me that never goes unnoticed and is why he is my favourite faculty member.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge thus far at Ridley would definitely have to be Math. I am from Nova Scotia, and the math course I took in Grade 10 was to prepare a student who was taking Grade 11 Math the following year in Nova Scotia. However, I clearly didn’t stay in Nova Scotia for Grade 11; instead I came to Ridley. My parents and I discussed that the IB Programme would really challenge me and that it would be best for me to do. When we came to Ridley for orientation day and the time came to pick my courses and IB Math came up, a prerequisite credit for the course was Grade 11 Functions from Ontario, which I didn’t have. However, I was let in to IB SL Math. Accompanying IB, I receive an OSSD credit for Grade 12 Advanced Functions, so, I went straight from Grade 10 Math in Nova Scotia to Grade 12 Math in Ontario. So, balancing other courses, hockey and other things, finding time to catch up in math was and still is difficult, however, with the help of Mr. DeVellis and my tutor Ms. Sendzik, I was determined to fill in those learning gaps.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment at Ridley thus far would definitely be balancing my busy schedule. Going into the year I knew it would be very difficult and demanding, but I ended up managing my time very well and was able to accomplish my goal this year of balancing my academic schedule with my hockey schedule.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favourite Ridley experience would have to be Chapel. Coming into Ridley I knew that we had to go to Chapel three days a week, but I wasn’t upset or worried, I was actually curious to how these Chapel sessions were going to go, because looking at the schedule, I thought that the time we spent there was short compared to what normally goes on at a church. But I was blown away. Chapel has been nothing but a positive experience for me. Yes, you have to get up early but it doesn’t matter, you will be woken up by the hymns that the entire school sings together. Chapel really brings the whole school together, and when you are in there during a hymn you really feel the power that the Chapel has to put all of Upper School into one room, and to make each individual in there feel like they are part of the Ridley community.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favourite part of Ridley life would have to be boarding. You get to become more independent, such as doing laundry, going to Wal-Mart for shampoo and toiletries, all the stuff that for the most part, is typically done for you at home. But the cool thing about Ridley is that you’re becoming more independent with the people who are in the same boat as you. My roommate from China and I always tell each other when a washer is open, or tell one another if one goes to the store if they could pick something up. These situations might seem simple, but it is a completely different experience than you figuring it out on your own at an apartment as compared to figuring these things out with your new friends from Nigeria, China, or Jamaica. Boarding also makes friendships even stronger, you really get to know people because you are with them 24/7, and you cherish these moments that you spend so much because one day, you will graduate and you won’t be able to spend as much time with these friends you have made.

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

I am most excited about being able to be there for the students. I love helping people and hope that I can deliver on that. Some people will have issues while at school, almost everyone does, and I am excited to be able to help those people with any issues they may have. Hopefully students will feel like they can approach all the Prefects next school year, and that each and every one of us can be there for them.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has matured me and gave me the tools to interact with people on many different levels. For me, being taught the principle of being able to network with a multitude of people early on in my life is important, as I am potentially going to pursue a career in business, and to have this skill is essential. With the help of our great Guidance team at our school, they make the career and university talks much easier, and honestly, without them, I don’t think I would be half as prepared as I am for the future. Being able to have good conversations with them, made me really narrow down university choices, as well as career paths. Many aspects of Ridley come together to really prepare each and every one of us for our future.

What are your plans after graduation? (i.e. university, college, gap year, degree of study, city you plan to live in, extracurricular pursuits)

My plans after graduation are to go to school, hopefully still playing hockey, but definitely going to school. I want to major in Business, and if I were to stay in Canada, I plan on studying on the Quebec-East side of the country. However, I would really like to go to a Division III school in the Eastern part of the United States and play hockey, however, I realize that things may not go the way everyone likes them to and I would be very content with studying in Canada. Following university and my potential hockey career, I plan on staying on the East Coast, and preferably living in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. But again, you don’t know what could happen, so we will have to wait and see!

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

My advice for prospective students, especially boarders, would be to ease your way into the Ridley community. Being homesick is natural, and by joining sports, clubs, or activities that interest you, these keep your attention on Ridley and not so much on how much you miss home. By going at your own pace and by not feeling rushed, you will learn to enjoy the Ridley community so much more, and you will really feel like you have developed a second home by the time you leave.

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