“Getting involved and being part of successful ventures builds character and adds perspective,” says Chantelle Boismier, who received the 2015 President’s Medal along with her BFA in visual arts during Convocation ceremonies Wednesday.

The award recognizes a graduand who has made significant contributions to campus and community activities while maintaining a superior academic record. Boismier earned a grade point average of over 88 percent, while being involved in the School of Creative Arts (SoCA) student society and charity work.

She served as the lead organizer of the Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition and the first annual fundraising formal for the SoCA society. As a holder of a second-degree black belt in karate, she also ran a self-defense seminar with 150 grade ten girls.

Boismier believes it is crucial that people put their talents and passions to good use when there are opportunities: “What good are talents if you can't use them to better yourself, the people around you, and your community?”

She also received the Board of Governors medal as the graduating student with the highest academic standing in visual arts.

“I am very proud to be receiving two medals,” she says “I've worked so hard these past few years, always striving to do better. It is very humbling to know that my efforts did not go unnoticed.”