“You’re a big part of the student body. You’re always willing to jump in and help out. We’ll miss you next year.”
Those words were spoken to Cowichan Secondary School Grade 12 student Mona Johnston by vice principal Rhonda Cizeron as Johnston was receiving the Duncan Rotary Club’s Student of the Month award for November 2021.
Johnston was selected for the award for her commitment to a host of extracurricular pursuits — although she also has excellent grades.
Principal Darcy Hoff called Johnston “a leader amongst the leadership class.” She is also involved in the grad council, plays for the school’s volleyball and basketball teams (and soccer when it has been offered), does scorekeeping for school sports, helps run intramural volleyball, and is active in getting participation for blood donation drives.
“I don’t know where she finds the time,” a grateful Hoff said during a Zoom connection with the Rotary Club where Johnston’s award was announced.
Where Johnston finds the time might be a mystery, but she does have an explanation for why she does what she does.
“I like to be busy. As long as I’ve grown up, I’ve helped out. My parents encouraged me to be a good, kind person. I see a need and I fill it.”
With post-secondary studies on the horizon, Johnston is considering political science, sociology or history, and may pursue teaching overseas. She has been looking at schools in eastern Canada for university.
“I’d kind of like to make a jump into a new experience,” she explained.