Grade 8 student Mackhayla Basiri from La Loche receives an Award of Excellence on Monday. (Submitted photo/Donna Boyle)

By Derek Cornet

accomplishment

Lt.-Gov. McIntyre’s tour delivers Northern Student Achievement Awards

Sep 16, 2025 | 4:40 PM

Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre is touring Northern Saskatchewan this week to present six students with an Award of Excellence.

The award recognizes one student from Northern Saskatchewan in each grade level from Grades 7 to 12. It recognizes academic standing, school attendance, and involvement in cultural activities.

The Northern Student Achievement Awards were established in 1989 by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.

Those to receive the award includes Grade 12 student Demi Ahenakew from La Ronge, Grade 11 student Nolan McKenzie from Stanley Mission, Grade 10 student Maddy Roy from Ile-a-la Crosse, Grade 9 student Elizabeth LaCrosse from Creighton, Grade 8 student Mackhayla Basiri from La Loche, and Grade 7 student Hadley Iron from Pinehouse.

Ahenakew is described as a leader on the volleyball court and a captain of both her high school and club teams. Her coaches say she is a role model who inspires confidence and unity. Ahenakew plans to pursue a degree in Arts and Sciences with a focus on psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

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McKenzie is an outstanding scholar, consistently earning top marks across all academic subjects. In the classroom, he demonstrates a disciplined work ethic, contributes thoughtfully to discussions, and consistently performs beyond expectations.

In addition to her excellent scholastic record, Roy’s attendance is exemplary, and she excels outside the classroom as well. She participates in volleyball, cross-country running, and track and field. Her teachers say that she also displays the admirable qualities of humility, kindness, and compassion.

LaCrosse’s academic performance is outstanding. She approaches her studies with determination, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. LaCrosse is always ready to lend a hand, whether helping her peers, or volunteering at school events. Her teachers have complimented Elizabeth on her kindness, reliability, and enthusiasm.

Since arriving in La Loche from the Philippines, Basiri has distinguished herself as a top student. She has a passion for learning and a love of literacy. Basiri has even written a fantasy novel in her spare time. In addition, with her friendly and outgoing nature, she has become a valued member of her school community and a leader among her peers.

Iron’s academic performance is consistently outstanding, and her attendance record is exemplary. However, her contributions go far beyond academics. Iron has an appreciation of language and culture, is an enthusiastic volunteer, a talented violinist, and a spirited member of her school’s square-dancing group. Her teachers say what truly sets Iron apart is her kind, humble, and inclusive personality, often encouraging and uplifting others.

Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre concludes her tour of the North on Thursday.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com