Introducing Ben M. ’19: a Prefect who truly appreciates the value of a Ridley education. From a young age, Ben sought an environment where he could challenge himself and ultimately thrive. Beginning his Ridley journey in Grade 7, Ben had found the school he belonged at and immersed himself in every opportunity that arose. Read more about Ben’s Ridley story and what he has learned during his time on campus.

Why did you choose Ridley?
I appreciate the immense value that is placed on public education here in Canada. However, as I went through my first eight years in the public education system it became evident that a regular 9am-3pm school was not the environment that I was going to be able to strive in. So, when I was offered the amazing opportunity, with the support of my family, to attended Ridley I decided to take full advantage.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?
I think that it is safe to say that every 12-year-old kid who moves to a new school will have some sort of angst associated with developing new relationships and getting climatized to a new environment with different expectations. However, with the support of all the Lower School staff members along with the welcoming attitude of everyone in my class, that anxiety quickly disappeared.

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?
Throughout my 5-year journey at Ridley thus far I have had the pleasure of being taught, coached, mentored and advised by some very spectacular people. However, the person who I have the greatest respect and appreciation for on campus is the headmaster; Mr. Kidd. In my opinion, Mr. Kidd embodies Ridley as a whole, he is caring, he is personable, and he goes above and beyond what you would expect from your Headmaster. I have had the pleasure of being coached by Mr. Kidd on the rugby team, both at the first and under-sixteen level, as well as sit on a school committee lead by him. Throughout those experiences alone, his passion for his job and for the student body is evident.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
So far, my greatest challenge at Ridley has been balancing the workload that accompanies my athletic, academic and co-curricular commitments. Ever since I started Ridley in grade 7, it was evident that life as a Ridley student was going to challenge me, but I quickly realized that perseverance, grit and time management would help me succeed. With the help of the amazing support team that every Ridley student has built in place for them on campus, I for one, can say that I am in a much better place now then I was 5 years ago.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?
I am so proud to have been named to this year’s Prefect team. I feel that my greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley is to be recognized as a leader in the school community, as I go into my final year here at Ridley.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?
My favourite Ridley experience thus far has to be my exchange opportunity to go to the King’s School in Parramatta (border city to Sydney), Australia when I was in Grade 10. This is one of those opportunities that Ridley presents that I am shocked the entire grade doesn’t take advantage of. After hosting a student from King’s at my home in St. Catharines for three months where he attended Ridley, I flew overseas to Sydney to stay at the King’s School for three months alongside a few of my closest friends and our exchange partners. Over the course of my stay, I learned the value of independence, planning and open-mindedness. Going on an exchange has been the single most valuable part of my time at Ridley, and I am very grateful to have had that opportunity.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?
Life at Ridley is filled with memorable experiences, whether it be school wide events, house specific events, events with teams or even just the little things that occur on a daily basis. However, my single favourite part of Ridley life would have to be the athletics programme. I find it amazing that every single Ridley student has the opportunity to participate in such an exceptional athletic programme every single day. Whether it be on a competitive team or in a sport for life environment, in my experience being a part of Ridley teams has provided me with some amazing opportunities and memories. 

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?
Ever since I started at Ridley I have looked up to those who have dawned the white-trimmed blazers (formerly all-white blazers). Being in a leadership position I understand the very high expectations that are set for me. However, the part of being a Prefect that that I am most excited for, is doing everything in my power to meet and exceed those expectations, in order to best serve the student body and represent Ridley in a leadership position. I look forward to carrying out new initiatives and getting to know the greater Ridley population.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?
Although I have yet to test this theory, life at Ridley has put me in some very unique positions that I would have otherwise not had the opportunity to experience. Throughout my time at Ridley I have learned skills such as stress management, taking advantage of opportunities, respecting and learning from worldly cultures, and interacting in a formal environment. It is my hope that I can use these experiences to prepare myself for the road ahead, wherever it may take me.

What are your plans after graduation?
Although I have not set anything in stone as of yet, my plan is to go off to a Canadian university following my senior year at Ridley. It is my hope that throughout the upcoming school year that I will be able to work with the guidance department further, to come up with an academic plan that suits both my vision and my needs as a student.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?
Everyone who goes to Ridley College has the privilege of attending this amazing school. However, Ridley is only as valuable as you make it out to be. Your Ridley experience is in your own hands as soon as you step onto campus. In my opinion, in order to make the most of your time as a Ridley student you must take full advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. Do so with an open mind and the comfort to get uncomfortable.

Meet Nicole C. ’19: a Prefect who has been at Ridley for over a decade. Beginning her experience at our school as an eager and excited Grade 1 student, Nicole has had many years to grow and learn within the Marriott Gates; making her an invaluable resource for all things Ridley. Read more about her many years as a Tiger and what she hopes to do in her final year at Ridley.

Why did you choose Ridley?
Being so young when I came to Ridley, the decision was entirely up to my parents. However, I’m sure the diverse, welcoming, and rigorous environment appealed to them. My older sister came to Ridley a year before I did and going to the same school was ideal.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?
Being the humble age of six, it’s difficult to remember how prepared I was feeling at the time. I was young and excited for what Ridley had to offer, entering the Ridley community with a childlike excitement that has stayed with me throughout the remainder of my years at the school.

Of course, the Ridley lifestyle is unique and required some adjusting. However, making the transition to a different school wasn’t nearly as daunting when having a handful of close friends – most who I had known practically since birth – to do it with.

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?
Having attended Ridley for such an extended period, it would be impossible for me to settle on only one favourite faculty member. As I have grown and time has passed, different faculty members have impacted and supported me in different ways.

One that I think deserves to be recognized for his commitment to his students and passion is Mr. Ronald. A Ridley icon, he has always been kind, patient, and empathetic towards others– myself included. He has continued to support me long since he taught me Grade 9 Geography, and his endless encouragement and friendly-nature will always be something I can rely on.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
Ridley comes with many challenges – it is a bustling environment in which every student has to juggle countless deadlines, commitments, and responsibilities. Maintaining a balance within these obligations while also making sure I still have time for myself has been my greatest challenge. Ultimately, however, this challenge has helped me grow into a better and stronger person.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?
My most significant accomplishment was probably being the recipient of the Dr. William Hamilton Merit Memorial Prize for public speaking. For someone who finds public speaking a challenge, I was terrified to present my speech in front of a large audience. It was tough for me to gather up the courage to speak.

The bravery that it took to present marked a critical moment of personal growth in which I could suddenly see how I have changed and grown throughout my time at Ridley. Looking into the crowd and seeing some of my closest friends supporting me made the experience even better, making it a moment which I will always look back on.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?
Nothing is as exciting and entertaining as Snake Dance is at the beginning of the year. It is one of my favourite experiences. The fireworks, the bonfire, the music – the amount of school spirit at that moment is insane.

When the whole school comes together for the event, it really feels like one united community. From the roaring bonfire to the students milling around in black and orange paint, it is one of the most exhilarating events of the entire year.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?
My favourite part of Ridley is the constant change and growth I experience. Being an international school with a diverse range of students and faculty, I can always look forward to learning something new and exciting each day. There are so many different clubs, activities, and sports offered, so there are always opportunities to interact with new people. I love the uniqueness of the Ridley community and how that uniqueness is embedded in the daily life of each Ridleian.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?
I am looking forward to representing the school and suggesting positive change, while also meeting new students and learning more from those around me. I hope to be a friendly and positive face in the school and am excited to help welcome and integrate new Ridleians into the community.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?
Ridley is a place like no other. Truly a global community, Ridley has already given me the chance to interact with different cultures, traditions, languages, and personalities from all around the world. Our world is continually growing and diversifying, similarly to how the Ridley community does. The curriculum itself has also made me grow stronger as a person. The rigorous learning environment has resulted in me becoming more open-minded, reflective, and a better problem solver – all skills I know will be beneficial in my future.

What are your plans after graduation?
At the moment, I’m not sure what my plans are. I have yet to decide my field of study but know that Ridley has prepared me well for my future endeavors. After graduation, I am planning on attending university in the fall, though I haven’t decided where. Regardless, I am excited to continue to pursue subjects I am interested in and continue to seize new opportunities.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?
Ridley is a stimulating but rigorous environment – it’s meant to be one. The school offers countless different opportunities for any student and taking advantage of these is really what makes it worth it. You get out of Ridley what you put in, so embrace the challenges you face, be open to new activities, and enjoy the time you spend here.