The top school leaders and academic achievers were rewarded on Tuesday morning, as Humboldt Collegiate Institute held their annual Awards Day.

The ceremony began with the Canadian national anthem, as well as a congratulations to new citizens who either work or are students at HCI.

Buena Amante, Princess David, Ellenjoy Doyle, Genesis Legaspi and Elgin Yturrlade were recognized for completing their citizenship and becoming official Canadians.

Vice-Principal Shaun Gardiner and Teacher Jamie White were also acknowledged for furthering their own education. 

Handing out the awards concluded a lengthy few months of finalizing and processing eligibility, according to Teacher Carol Meachem.

"We started in January with having all of our Grade 12 students filling in a scholarship application form," she explained. "From there, we ask them their post-secondary plans. That helps us make some preliminary decisions, whether they qualify for certain awards linked to certain professions."

The first award handed out went to Grade 12 student Jared Giddings, who earned the Spirit of HCI Award. Meachem says it is an award of major significance.

"That award is especially important because it is entirely student funded from previous graduation classes that would have a surplus left from their graduation. That legacy money, plus money that student council had, was put in trust for students to receive for the spirit of HCI."

More awards will be handed out later in June to Grade 12 students at graduation.

This year, there were 65 students from Grade 9 through 12 who earned averages over 90 per cent, and an additional 75-plus who secured marks between 80-89.

HCI Principal Cory Popoff says that reflects directly on support in the classroom and at home.

"It's a testament to our students and the support that our parents give them in order to achieve," he noted. "Inside the classroom, I know our teachers work very hard to ensure that the students achieve and invite them to do so. Regardless of the mark, the students here at HCI are very good students, and they try their best."

Concluding the ceremony was a farewell of sorts to two staff members. Vice-Principal Jacquie Bergermann is leaving after one year in the role to join the Horizon School Division as a Literacy Consultant.

For the past 28 years, Heather Albers has been synonymous with the library at HCI. Next year, there will be a new face helping students find the right reading selections, as Albers is retiring.

"Heather is one of the most kind and caring souls at HCI. She's been here for 28 years and there isn't a student that doesn't remember Heather and her kindness," said Popoff. "Her willingness to help students in the library setting, and her willing to help our teachers get their resources lined up for the year."

Next up for the school is their Athletic Awards night, which takes place on June 14. After that, it is exams and graduation, which goes June 29.

"It's going to be a big event - I think our biggest that HCI has ever seen in terms of the number of people that will be there."

You can see a list of winners below.

Spirit of HCI - Jared Giddings
Horizon Seniors Club Student Advocacy - Nathan Tremblay
Grade 9/10 Character Education - Adam Eichorst
Grade 11/12 Character Education - Luke Puto
Grade 9 Proficiency - Gold Medal - Jenna Hofmann (97.80%), Silver Medal - Braden Fleischhacker (97%), Bronze Medal - Paige Korte (94.60%)
Royal Canadian Legion - Brooklyn Hofmann
Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary - Ashton Johnson
St. Elizabeth Hospital Ladies Auxiliary - Vinny Wynn
St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing - Caitlyn Welder
Schulich Leader Scholarship Nominee - Kane von Doellen
Grade 10 Proficiency - Gold Medal - Bryn von Doellen (98.43%), Silver Medal - Jenna Giddings and Rylan Marianchuk (98.14%), Maya Berscheid (95.29%)
HCI Kosmynka - Acting - Tyson Greff
HCI Kosmynka - Technical - Vance Hill
S.M. Sutherland - Diana Sarauer
Grade 11 Proficiency - Gold Medal - Emily Engele (98.86%), Silver Medal - Jessi Sperling (97.43%), Bronze Medal - Samantha Seidle (94.14%)
Access Communications - Levi Thompson
Humboldt Co-op Bursary - Angela Baran and Melaniya Boyko
Humboldt Vision Center - Tyler Behiel and Payton Pray
St Peter's College Accelerated - Emily Engele, Emily Minter, Jessie Monz, Ethan Paslowski
Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship - Jonathan Sterling and Logan Wylie
Humboldt Chamber of Commerce - Tyler Behiel
Grade 12 Proficiency - Gold Medal - Shanleigh McKeown (97.14%), Silver Medal - Payton Pray (96.14%), Karlee Frank (94%)