GREAT STUDENT: Elaine MacPherson has combined success in the classroom with a long list of volunteer activities.

After four years in high school Elaine MacPherson has left nothing undone

Elaine MacPherson made a promise to herself before entering high school over three years ago: “That I would get involved in as many school events and activities as I possibly could while maintaining a respectable academic average.”

Now in grade 12, the Marshall McLuhan student can say it’s a promise she’s kept.

“I have been involved in almost every school event and activity while always managing to keep my grade average above 80 percent,” MacPherson wrote in an email to the Town Crier.

Spare time has been at a premium during her time at McLuhan. MacPherson came out of the gate fast in grade 9, joining several sports teams, something she’s kept up since. She’s also participated in the Asper Human Rights Program, the Peer Ministry team, the Empowered Student Partnerships, the Grooving With a Senior program, and the Environmental Club, among others.

And all that stands apart from her volunteer activities outside of school.

One experience, though, sticks out: MacPherson got the chance to travel to Ndachi, Tanzania this past summer.

“This program changed my life completely and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me,” she says.

She was one of nine chosen to head to the African village to help erect a windmill used to provide clean drinking water.

“It was the most rewarding experience I could have ever participated in,” MacPherson says. “We worked a year in advance to raise enough money for us to buy all of the windmill parts.”

After high school, MacPherson says she plans to study international development at Trent University.

“My overall goal is to help those in need and to improve the lives of others in any way I can,” she says.

Town Crier
Online: March 4, 2009 [link]