Michelle Truong and Jake Lindley Win 2014 Dr. Jack Parry Award
UCC’s Michelle Truong and CKSS’ Jake Lindley are the 2014 Dr. Jack Parry Award winners – Photo by Ian Kennedy/ CKSN.ca
Chatham-Kent Secondary School’s Jake Lindley maintained an 84% average over his four years of secondary school while participating in basketball, football, track and field, soccer, and volleyball. He was also involved in CKSS’ Student Athletic Association and won a major athletic award as a Golden Hawk in each of his four years at Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
According to Lindley, it was a feeling he’d never had before hearing his name called, and being recognized for his contributions to sport, academics, and his community.
“It’s was a surreal feeling,” said Lindley of hearing his name called. “Finally being recognized for both being involved in the community and demonstrating excellence in sports, it was a great feeling.”
“It feels like I just wasn’t a guy that played sports, I was a guy that impacted the school, and impacted the community. I wanted to be a guy who was nice to other kids, or helped someone who needed it, and was a good citizen of Chatham-Kent, so it was great to get the award.”
For Truong, who maintained a 91% average through her high school career and participated in volleyball, tennis, and badminton at Ursuline College Chatham, hearing her name called, ended the nerves she’d been feeling all night.
“It was a huge relief,” explained Truong. “I’m really glad that I got it. To be sitting there with so many people that are smart and athletic, it’s really just a privilege.”
Truong, who was also an active community volunteer with Timbit Volleyball, Muskoka Camp, Pedagape, and Halloween for Hunger, says the Jack Parry Award, although a surprise to her, is an excellent way to showcase student-athletes who are giving their time to their community.
“I really appreciate this award,” says Truong. “It’s great to show how people use their time management to balance sports, school, and volunteering. I wasn’t really expecting this recognition, but it’s great to get it.”
The award, named in honour of Dr. Jack Parry, a noted Chatham anaesthetist who served his country during World War II, won the 1942 Grey Cup, and represented Canada at the 1948 Olympics, comes with a $1000 scholarship for each of the winners.