Various community partners took part in the event, including local OPP, Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Guelph Humane Society, and more.

People had a chance to meet with firefighters and other emergency responders, take photos in the fire trucks, try out one of the hoses, and get a bite to eat.

They were also treated to an auto extrication demonstration, a highlight of the open house that saw a team of firefighters stabilize a car on its side before using the Jaws of Life to cut and peel back the roof to free a dummy trapped inside.

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Wellington County OPP officials say a blue sedan had struck a tree.��

A 23-year-old Ottawa woman was charged with impaired driving and driving with more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in her system. She was to appear in Guelph court on March 26. The driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for seven days.

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Chiara Petruzza from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockwood, Lily Baker from St. John Catholic School in Arthur, and Justin Obach from St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Forest were each celebrated for their significant contributions to their school communities.��

What sets these three students apart from their peers, chair Marino Gazzola said, is their ability to balance academics, athletics and co-curricular activities.��

He described them as the leaders of tomorrow, noting each of them is an active participant and role model in their community.��

Trustees read out reports about each student, prepared by their teachers and principals, that outlined what makes them deserving of the awards.��

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Chiara Petruzza

Petruzza is described as a responsible, reliable, and generous student who “approaches each day with a strong desire to learn.

“Within the classroom, Chiara is recognized for her exceptional organization and dedication to contributing to a safe learning environment,” trustee Cassandra O’Donnell read from the report. ��

It highlights Petruzza’s success with the Gauss Math Contest and her contributions to planning whole-school initiatives including the National Truth and Reconciliation Tree and Christmas Spirit activities.��

“As the student 91���Ѽ treasurer, Chiara managed fundraising activities with precision and ensured financial accuracy,” her teachers and principals wrote. ��

Petruzza also assists other students as an office helper and math tutor, and plays on the school’s volleyball, basketball and badminton teams.��

“In all aspects of school life, Chiara’s empathetic nature, kindness and leadership qualities make her an invaluable asset to our community,” Sacred Heart officials state. ��

Lily Baker

Baker is a Grade 8 student who has attended St. John Catholic School in Arthur since kindergarten.��

She is described as an “intelligent, respectful individual who carries herself with dignity and is kind and considerate with everyone around her.”��

Baker plays for the Arthur Twisters baseball team as well as every sports team at her school, “and has consistently been an asset to each team,” trustee Vikki Dupuis read from the report.�� ��

She works well independently and corroboratively, and is “always prepared to lend a hand,” her teachers and principals wrote. ��

“There is no job, big or small, that Lily couldn’t be trusted with,” St. John officials state.��

Justin Obach

Obach’s teachers and principals describe him as “inquisitive and diligent in his studies” and eager to help out whenever possible.��

Particularly since a fire at St. Mary Catholic School forced the students and staff to relocate, Obach has “been instrumental in keeping up the school spirit.��

“As soon as we moved into the new locations, he wanted to get things in place for students so they could still celebrate spirit days and have fun despite being at two different sites.

“Whether it is organizing a school-wide event, assisting a teacher in the classroom, carrying things for others or simply picking items up that have been left on the floor, Justin is there to help out.

“Justin truly lives his life in the service of others.”

��Obach also plays on all of St. Mary’s sports teams “and shows great sportsmanship.”��

He has a strong sense of humour, and “his smiling face and contagious laugh are a blessing to everyone he meets,” school officials write. ��

Trustee Andrew Finoro said “Justin is a born leader and he puts others before himself.”��

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The three students were each recognized for their significant contributions and leadership at school during the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) meeting on Nov. 6.��

The students were honoured guests at the meeting, with family members and the principal and vice principal of each of their high schools accompanying them.��

Trustee Vikki Dupuis praised the students and expressed confidence they would each have impressive futures – possibly even becoming Prime Minister of Canada. ​

“They certainly have the attributes,” Dupuis attested.��

Indigo Moran

The St. James Catholic High School Student chosen for recognition was Indigo Moran.��

Trustee Marino Gazzola said Moran was selected for their leadership, positive attitude and maturity.��

Moran is insightful and has a “remarkable ability to lead,” their teachers report.��

This leadership is grounded in Moran’s “humble approach.”��

Their teachers say Moran is “extremely aware and astute” and always takes the extra steps – or even extra leaps at times – to thoroughly research any given topic to ensure they have accurate information.��

Moran leads student groups and is the vice-president of the school’s environmental 91���Ѽ.��

Teachers describe Moran as caring, concerned, kind and aware, and attest that they “make the school, community and world a better place.”��

Ashley Taylor

From Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Ashley Taylor was recognized as “a leader who gives of themself for the benefit of others.”

Trustee Sebastian Dal Bo said Taylor has “quietly and impactfully involved herself”�� in a range of school activities, including tutoring, tech crew, relay for life and�� Bishop Macdonell News.��

Taylor is also the chair of the school’s arts 91���Ѽ.��

“She can be seen in pretty much any event that comes up,” Dal Bo said.��

But most staff and students don’t realize the extent of her contributions because she never seeks recognition for her work.��

“She doesn’t make herself the centre of attention – she always elevates others,” Dal Bo said.��

Taylor’s hard work goes beyond the school walls; she is also an air cadet who obtained her glider pilot licence this year.��

Kellyanne Mangali��

Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Catholic High School student Kellyanne Mangali was selected for her kindness, compassion, dedication, reliability, thoughtfulness and positive attitude, said trustee Joe Tersigni. ��

Mangali’s teachers describe her as a “real pleasure to teach” as she is consistently “cheerful and ready to absorb knowledge.” ��

She makes a concerted effort to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging at OLOL.��

Mangali organized a chess club at the high school and even though she is often busy completing homework during club meetings, she ensure’s everything is set up to provide an opportunity for others to play chess.��

She’s also a dedicated member of the school’s environmental club and�� volunteers at the community garden.��

Tersigni said Mangali is always smiling and ready to tackle the next project and is “truly an ambassador,” modeling all values of OLOL and the WCDSB.��

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