Some students can’t wait to finish Cegep while others stop all along the way to plunge into every opportunity that comes their way to learn, engage and get the most out of their college years. Sarah Lone, who has been chosen as the 2009-2010 Vanier Valedictorian didn’t waste a minute of her time in Cegep. “I am incredibly proud of my school and I have a great appreciation for the diversity at Vanier. I have taken advantage of the many opportunities Vanier offers.” Indeed, while pursing studies in Social Science (Major in Green Studies), Sarah has been involved in countless events.
One of the highlights of her time at Vanier came when she was chosen for the Vanier Education for All Study trip to Malawi in 2009. She spent three weeks learning about the strengths and weaknesses of the education system in Malawi and the effect of gender on access to education. Upon her return to Montreal Sarah shared her knowledge with friends and fellow students through classroom presentations at Vanier and at Royal West Academy, her former high school, and urged students to become involved in issues that interest them.
Although Sarah Lone gives the impression of being quiet, demure and low-key, when it comes to the issues she cares about nothing stops her. And it’s this implacable commitment and determination that impressed the Valedictorian selection committee. “Sarah is incredibly self-possessed and eloquent. She is a strong student and a wonderful Vanier ambassador,” states a member of the selection committee.
“In her two years at Vanier Sarah worked to help create and increase awareness throughout the College community about important international development, gender equality and environmental sustainability issues,” states Melanie Hadida from the Vanier International Education Office. Sarah joined the Vanier Social Justice Committee, became active on environmental and fair trade issues, participated in activist theatre productions to raise awareness among students about the dangers of disposable plastic water bottles and coordinated Earth Day events for two years running.
While at Vanier, Sarah’s remarkable dedication and community involvement also earned her a Millennium Excellence Award and a prestigious Loran Scholarship which she plans to use to pursue her studies at the University of British Columbia next year. Undeniably Sarah Lone represents the best that a Vanier student can be.
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