Not very many students conduct science experiments over the summer holidays, let alone have lab equipment at home.
But one Bow Valley High School student, who finds titration during chemistry classes soothing and who conducts experiments as a hobby, found herself as the recipient of the school’s Blaze Award.
Sonja Werner was recognized as the top in her grade for the 2016-2017 year at the schools academic awards held on Nov. 9.
“I’m super passionate about science, especially chemistry, as you can see,” she said motioning towards her outfit – a black skirt with a planet print and a tie-dye galaxy-reminiscent scarf.
But when the Grade 11 student was asked how she felt about receiving the award, the teen drew back her enthusiasm.
“I know there are so many other intelligent students here and I kind of didn’t want to feel like I was ‘better’ than them in any way. But at the same time, I can’t lie; it does feel good to be recognized, especially for doing something that you love even if it does require a lot more time and effort,” she said.
Inspired by her teacher at the time, Werner first decided in Grade 9 she might pursue science as a career.
“As soon as I saw it the way she saw it, through this lens of passion and vigour – it was like someone poured kerosene on that love of science and lit it on fire. I was just obsessed with it,” she said.
Werner said the combination of her teacher’s sense of humour and her scientific outlook on the world worked together to change her experience of learning science.
“I love learning new things and making new discoveries,” she said. “Just today in physics class, I learned how rainbows are made.”
Werner is currently working on a project of her own – capturing and preserving snowflakes.
“You essentially go out and catch a snowflake on a microscope slide. And then you take crazy glue and the glue reacts to the water to polymerize it and makes it stay in the shape,” she explained.
Werner said she focuses primarily on memorization as opposed to colour-co-ordinated notes when studying.
“I feel like I have a really strong memory so when I study for tests I can read over the notes,” she said. “Loving the material really helps because it really sticks in your brain and it doesn’t take as much work to recall it.”
While the student said she likes to impress her teachers, who are her role models, she said she studies hard because of her passion for learning and not for achievement or praise.
Tara Sly, who worked with Werner on the school newspaper, said she admires how humble Werner is.
“Her love of learning is truly what motivates her. And we see that as teachers. But the humility she has in her achievements – that’s pretty special,” Sly said.
“The excitement in her voice when she discusses it or when she is thoughtful in the connections that she’s making to take it to the next level. Again, we don’t see in all students.”
Jonathon Vos, in Grade 11, also was a recipient for the Music 10 award.
Vos, who moved to Canada last year with his parents from Holland, has played the Saxophone since he was close to eight years old.
One of his neighbours in his hometown, Amersfoort, Utrecht, took it upon themselves to teach the children in the area how to read music and rhythm.
“Eventually, they introduced instruments,” explained Vos. “I discovered the saxophone and I grabbed it and it just felt natural.”
Like Werner, he was modest about his win and also surprised.
“I don’t study for it – I just do it. I don’t really need much practise, it just happens naturally,” he said.
Sly, who taught him Grade 10 English class described his ability to translate his knowledge base into terms that his peers can understand as remarkable.
“Music is his passion,” Sly said. “Listening to him talk about music – his knowledge base is amazing.”
More than 100 students were recognized at the Academic Awards.
