ByLuke Edwards   Bears may be known for their ferociousness, but last week they were honoured for their brains.

Port Colborne High School held its annual honour roll banquet, recognizing students who maintained an 80 per cent or higher average in the previous year. And this year was a banner year for the Blue Bears, with more than 100 students on the honour roll.

“It’s recognition of not only the hard work of students, but also the support of family,” said principal Nigel Evans.

Teacher Dawn Mayne has been one of the main organizers for the event for the past five years and said this year’s class was one of the strongest.

Leading the way for the school were top students from each grade, who all finished with an average above 90 per cent.

Madeline Taylor graduated last year and finished with a 99 per cent average. She’s now attending McGill University and studying biomedicine and life sciences.

Now in Grade 12, Hillary Kendrick finished Grade 11 with a 94 per cent average, while Austin Stastny finished his second year at Port High with a 95 per cent

average.

Karlee Winn and Meghan Kapellas has no problem adapting to high school life, each finishing with a 92 per cent average in Grade 9 last year.

The top students all received a centerpiece and cash prize from Mastercard.

“They’re always going. This is our one chance to stop and celebrate what they’re doing,” Mayne said about the students.

Mayne said in addition to being academically inclined, many of the students are heavily involved in all aspects of school life.

Dr. Emily Wilson, guest speaker at the event, agreed. A Port High graduate now studying at Western University in London, Ont., Wilson said the small size of Port High gave her the opportunity to try a little bit of everything

“The best things happened when I put myself out there,” she said. By trying new and different things, she said she was able to grow as a person.

In her speech Wilson discussed how a community school prepares students for the world and provided some tips for the future.

Morgan Davies, last year’s Grade 8 valedictorian from McKay Public School, and Cameron Lacelle, valedictorian from Steele Street Public School, were MCs for the event.