2025 Recipients
In 2025, the NLPS Board of Trustees recognized eight students with Resilience Awards.
Tristan Arsenault - J.A. Williams High School
Tristan’s high school journey is a story of sustained transformation marked by resilience, quiet leadership, and integrity. He has steadily grown in academic performance, self-advocacy, and confidence, facing obstacles with calm determination. Tristan’s ability to persist through personal challenges while helping others has made him a trusted peer and role model. Whether offering support to classmates or sharing his strategies for success, he leads with empathy and purpose, showing how consistency and character can shape a meaningful path forward.
Aries Cardinal - J.A. Williams High School
Aries has shown extraordinary perseverance in pursuit of his educational, cultural, and personal goals. While recovering from a serious car accident, he remained committed to graduating and continued his learning with focus and diligence. His determination also shines through in his cultural work—completing an intricate beading project with care and resolve. Aries leads with empathy and kindness, supporting peers with patience and encouragement. His strength of character and commitment to growth make him a powerful example of what resilience truly looks like.
Luke Desjarlais - Vera M. Welsh Elementary School
Luke has made remarkable strides in his learning journey, overcoming early challenges with communication through consistent effort and a positive attitude. With the support of his family and school staff, he has embraced learning with curiosity and enthusiasm, making significant academic progress. His commitment to reading and personal growth sets a strong example for his peers. Luke’s respectful, compassionate approach to school life helps create a welcoming environment where others feel included and encouraged. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of growth through effort.
Kara Garner - H.E. Bourgoin School
Kara has shown remarkable resilience and growth, overcoming academic and social challenges with strength and optimism. A neurodivergent student, she has become a strong self-advocate and a passionate supporter of others. She shines in school musicals, contributes to mental health initiatives, and leads with compassion through the Community Helpers program. Kara’s advocacy has helped reduce stigma and foster understanding, particularly around autism. Her perseverance, empathy, and leadership continue to inspire her peers and enrich her school community.
Jenelle Kardash - Iron River School
Jenelle embodies resilience through her unwavering positivity and leadership, even in the face of physical hardship. Following major surgery, she quickly returned to school and fully immersed herself in academics and school life, never allowing her physical discomfort to dampen her enthusiasm. Her gratitude and global perspective are matched by her dedication to enriching her school—writing and directing a Christmas concert, running Spirit Days, leading fundraisers, and rallying students around shared goals. Jenelle’s boundless energy and selflessness set a powerful example of perseverance and compassion.
Akira Patenaude-Boucher - J.A. Williams High School
Akira exemplifies resilience through her tenacity, positivity, and dedication to her goals. After earning her Knowledge and Employability Certificate, she returned to school to pursue her diploma, demonstrating a deep commitment to personal growth. She gives back through volunteer work with FCSS and the Next Generation Teen Volunteer group, using her love of cooking and leadership to support community events. Always willing to step outside her comfort zone, Akira breaks down barriers with determination and shows others that there are no limits to what can be achieved with a strong will and kind heart.
Dimitri Storoschuk - Cold Lake High School
Dimitri exemplifies resilience through his academic dedication, personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. While excelling in math and sciences, he faced challenges in language arts and social studies and responded with determination, significantly improving his performance. He has learned to balance academic rigor with extracurriculars and personal relationships, becoming a grounded and supportive leader. Dimitri participates in multiple clubs and sports and has built a thriving business through perseverance and initiative. Whether mentoring peers in physics or encouraging teammates, Dimitri consistently models responsibility, kindness, and a commitment to self-improvement.
Marisa Thistle - Cold Lake High School
Marisa has demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication to her learning journey. After transitioning from online learning to in-person classes, she overcame personal challenges and flourished academically, particularly in multimedia, foods, and drama. Her quiet confidence blossomed as she took on a major role in the school production Stars Over Arkham, showing courage and determination with minimal preparation. A source of strength and support in the drama club, Marisa uplifts others with humility, kindness, and patience. Her ability to persevere while also mentoring and creating belonging for her peers makes her a true example of resilience.