Throughout the summer we will be introducing you to your 2015-2016 Prefects. For those of you who don’t know, Prefects are the senior student leaders at Ridley, they will be the friendly faces greeting you on Opening Day! First up we have Liam Wilson ’16. Liam has been a Ridley student since Grade 8, he plays basketball and soccer and went on his first service trip to El Salvador during March Break, learn more about Liam:

1. Why did you choose Ridley?

I live in St. Catharines, so Ridley has always been around. In Grade 7 I became interested in coming to Ridley after I spoke to some teachers, students, and coaches while on campus for a soccer practice. The next year, I was a Ridley student.

2. Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

I felt prepared coming to Ridley. I was nervous coming in for Grade 8, but it was a pretty easy transition to the Ridley community. It took some time to adjust to the fast-paced and busy lifestyle, but it’s amazing once you’re in it.

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

I plan to attend a university either in Canada or the USA and play soccer while studying either law or business.

4. Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

It is hard to name a favourite faculty member at Ridley. I have had so many great experiences with a lot of them. Just to name two I would have to say Mr. Park (my former geography teacher and present soccer coach) and Dr. Foster (my French teacher). The faculty members are great people.

5. What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge thus far at Ridley has probably been keeping up with school work during busy times at school. When you play on a competitive team at Ridley it can get really hectic with all the practices and games. On top of that, you still have to do homework and study for tests. It is a challenge, but teachers, coaches, and housemasters are glad to help in whatever way they can.

6. What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

I would probably have to say that my greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley has been the honour of being appointed School Prefect. I am very grateful for this opportunity and plan to do my very best while in this position.

7. How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has prepared me for the future by making me globally aware. Ridley has given me so many friends from around the world that I will keep for the rest of my life. I also feel prepared to go off to University next year because I have learned to manage my time well.

8. What has been your favourite Ridley experience and your favourite part of Ridley?

I have so many great memories from the past four years at Ridley and look forward to making more in my final year. It is hard to pick my favourite experience, but I would probably have to say the times I have spent with the First Soccer Team. I have been on the team for three years now and it has been amazing. I have had the opportunity to travel around Canada with the team and to play some truly amazing soccer. The sports at Ridley is my favourite part of the school. Even if I am not playing, I love watching and supporting my friends in whatever competition they are competing in.

9. What are the most important things you have learned from your time at Ridley?

The two most important things I have learned from my time at Ridley are the importance of time-management and how to make new friends. Ridley can get very busy and it forces you to use your time well. Also, every year at Ridley there are many new students that you meet in all areas of the school. Making friends can be hard for some people, but at Ridley you learn how to make them quickly because the people are what makes the experience amazing.

10. What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

Don’t be afraid to try new things and do what you love to do. There are many opportunities to try new sports, arts, or activities at Ridley and if you try something new, you just might find something that you love. That brings me to my second thing, if you find something that you love to do, do it. Use the resources at Ridley to practice that instrument, get better at your sport, or develop the app you always wanted to develop.