For more than 140 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from participating high schools.

Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.

Alice Lemay is an ECS “lifer,” meaning she attended the School from Kindergarten to Grade 11. While the Award itself is based strictly on Alice’s stellar academic record, it is worth noting that during her time at ECS she was actively involved in many areas of school life, including music, sports, robotics, and student leadership roles.

In Grade 11, she served as the Old Girls’ Association Prefect, strengthening ties between current and former students. Now studying Pure and Applied Sciences at Marianopolis College, she remains connected to ECS and has returned for several events over this past year.

Alice’s family and friends joined current ECS staff and students to watch proudly as she received the award and an additional special gift (a book about Rideau Hall) from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada--who also happens to be a former ECS parents!

There’s no doubt that Alice will continue to make us all proud in the years to come!