As they prepare to wrap up their time at Queen Margaret's School, standout Grade 12s Juliet Westlake and Abby Wadsworth were among many athletes celebrated at the annual awards ceremony on May 22.
Westlake, who calls Maple Bay home, was named Senior Athlete of the Year and also collected the badminton MVP and senior volleyball Spirit Award, while Wadsworth, who lives in Duncan, was named Offensive Player of the Year for field hockey and senior MVP for track and field, and took home the Coach's Award.
Both athletes have been at the school for six years, although Wadsworth's connection goes back even farther, since she started riding horses there in Grade 3. This is the second year that Westlake, who also took part in field hockey and track and field as well as riding, has been the school's Senior Athlete of the Year.
"It's pretty special because I got it two years in a row," she said. "This school gives you a lot of opportunities, and it means a lot to be recognized for my hard work and work ethic."
The Coach's Award presented to Wadsworth honours her positive attitude, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment. Wadsworth is also a rider in addition to being on the field hockey and track teams. It means a lot to her to be recognized in her last year at QMS.
"Sports have been a big part of my life ever since I was young," she said.
Wadsworth got a taste of the provincial championships in track and field, placing second on the Island in high jump to qualify for the B.C. meet, where she made the top 10. Westlake nearly reached the same level as the QMS volleyball team earned Island bronze and qualified to play in a wildcard tournament for a provincial berth.
As they graduate, both athletes will head to the University of Victoria next year, Westlake studying psychology and Wadsworth P.E., but they agree they will miss the QMS atmosphere.
"After six years, you develop relationships with the teachers, coaches, horses," Westlake said.
Other major award winners included Kelsea Sebastian, who was named junior volleyball and basketball MVP as well as Junior Athlete of the Year, and Mckaylee Catcher, who took home the senior basketball MVP and Spirit of the Royals awards.
Grade 8 track star Madison Heisterman, who jumped up a level and won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m at provincials, was named Junior MVP in track and field and won the Vernon Trophy for her equestrian efforts.