With great pride, we would like to announce NGPS' 2022 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award nominee, Renee Gray!

The Indigenous Shining Student Awards recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who model strength and commitment in pursuing their education and who embrace their own gifts, strengths and potential while celebrating their cultures.

In the words of Hilltop Principal, Brent Northcott, “Renee is a model student. She is a strong academic student as well as an athlete, representing Hilltop with talent and positivity. Her love of her culture, and of learning, is to be admired.”

Renee is described by her teachers as a confident and motivated young woman who inspires other students with her leadership and work ethic. Renee works hard to balance her academic goals and commitments with extracurricular sports and volunteering. She plays school volleyball and basketball and enjoys the competition and skill involved with school sports, and supporting her team.

Renee is very active in both her learning environment and her community. She is the first to step up to volunteer and school staff regularly approach her as she always works with energy and ambition. Renee was a huge help with the Whitecourt Christmas Hamper, sorting gifts and toys and delivering food. She has volunteered at the Soaring Eagle homeless shelter in Whitecourt and is always eager to learn more about her culture and to take part in Indigenous events. A member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Renee is proud of her First Nations culture and is always happy to share her knowledge with her peers.

In addition to her studies, extracurricular pursuits and volunteering, Renee works part-time at the Town of Whitecourt Library where she manages inter library loans, program planning and craft kit making. She loves her job! Her future plans include continuing her education and achieving a Bachelor's Degree in Midwifery.

Jody Tomke-Smith, Indigenous Liaison at Hilltop High, shared:

“Renee is very passionate about helping mankind, and being an asset to her people. She is a very strong academic student. I am proud of Renee’s leadership skills, her desire to achieve, and her acceptance of cultural diversity.”

Congratulations on this well-deserved honour Renee, keep up the great work!