Pembina Trails celebrates our 2025 Governor General Award winners

Congratulations to our Governor General's Academic Medal Winners. These medals are awarded to the students graduating with the highest academic average in their high school. In 1873, Canada's Governor General Lord Dufferin created the medal to encourage academic excellence. Former medalist includes Pierre Trudeau, Tommy Douglas and Gabrielle Roy.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and Senior Administration team, we would like to congratulate these outstanding graduates. Your future is bright, and we look forward to watching what you will accomplish in the years to come.

Joyce Liu – Fort Richmond CollegiateJoyce is an exceptional student who displays empathy and kindness in everything she does. Joyce is a gifted musician and leader. We wish Joyce all the best as she pursues a career in Dentistry at the University of Manitoba in the fall. All the best Joyce!

 Minoo Noruziaan – École secondaire Oak Park High SchoolMinoo Noruziaan is a dedicated and accomplished student who has maintained honours standing for the past four years, demonstrating both academic excellence and a strong commitment to her community. She has volunteered countless hours within her school, CancerCare Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, embodying compassion, and civic responsibility. A multi-faceted individual, Minoo is also a gifted artist, musician, and dancer, balancing her creative passions with a drive for scientific inquiry. She plans to attend McGill University to pursue a Bachelor of Science with a focus in biological, biomedical, and life sciences, where she aims to continue her journey of learning and contribution.

Tahlyia Jones  – Pembina Trails Alternative High School  

The Pembina Trails Alternative High School Governor General Award winner is Tahlyia Jones. Tahlyia is a talented and kind student with a passion for art, crafting, plants & animals.  Tahlyia will be attending U1 at the University of Manitoba in the fall with plans of continuing her education in either the Faculty of Animal Sciences or the Faculty of Agriculture. Congratulations Tahlyia, we wish you continued success!

Luke Bushuk – Pembina Trails CollegiateLuke Bushuk’s curiosity extends into the galaxies through his love of physics and astronomy, but also includes wildlife photography, music, bike repair, and computer networking. In addition to his high school diploma, Luke also completed a Cloud and Network Technician Certificate through PTEC. His critical thinking was visible throughout his exemplary academic performance in high school. Luke will be attending the University of Manitoba in the fall to pursue a degree in physics and astronomy. He aspires to one day be a high school mathematics and science teacher. Congratulations to Luke and we wish him well in the future! Keep soaring Luke. 

Marian Kirkpatrick – Shaftesbury High SchoolMarian Kirkpatrick is a kind, dedicated, and positive role model to her peers and younger students at Shaftesbury. She is an avid and talented participant in the band and AP programs, and has volunteered during her high school years at the Zoo Camp in the summer. Marian's exceptional academic record speaks to her curiosity and desire to learn, always striving for a deep understanding of the world around her. She will be attending the University of Manitoba in the fall in the Faculty of Science. We wish Marian all the best on her future endeavours and know she will represent the Titans with pride wherever she goes. 

Krissadie Armstrong – Institut collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate   

Krissadie Armstrong is graduating with a total of 37 credits and a remarkable average of 99.56%. Of the 18 different classes she took has taken in Grades 11 and 12, she has not had a mark less than 99%, 10 courses with a perfect 100%. She has also achieved the highest Grade 12 mark in 5 of her 8 courses this year. This is a testament to her genuine love of learning, dedication and strong work ethic; characteristics that will serve her well in her continued studies.

In addition to her impressive academic record, Krissadie is a valued member of our school community as demonstrated through her involvement in Musical Theatre, Eco Club and our school newspaper. Outside of school, she has dedicated many hours to Folklorama, the Winnipeg Music Festival, dance classes and Manitoba Theatre for Young People. 

Next year, Krissadie has chosen the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba to continue her learning in theatre and linguistics. A career in law may also be in future. We wish Krissadie much success in the future.