Nadine Steenhoek at the top of the KCSS Class of '07
By Bill Rea

Nadine Steenhoek

A surprise can often be nice, such as the one Nadine Steenhoek just received.

The 18-year-old Schomberg resident completed her studies at King City Secondary School late last month, and learned that she was at the head of her graduating class in her top six courses.

She earned an average of 96.5 per cent.

"It was definitely a surprise," she declared, adding she didn't set her sights on coming out at the head of the class. "I just just kind of went through the year and did my work and got it done."

Steenhoek's Grade 12 courses included biology, English, math, physical education, world issues, exercise science and international business, along with a summer co-operative program she completed last year as a camp counsellor.

"I've had a fairly good track record all through," she commented. "I've always tried to do my very best."

She added the secret to getting good grades is pretty simple - "Go to class, pay attention and study hard."

"I've found the hard work definitely pays off," she added. "Sometimes that extra little bit helps."

There was really no set pattern to the amount of homework Steenhoek had to do in an evening, apart from how much there was; "kind of whatever it took to get things done."

And she found some time for other school activities, like sports. She was captain of the school's ultimate frisbee team this year, and sat on the Students' Athletic Council. She also played volleyball from Grades 9 to 11. As well, she played in the band in Grade 9, and participated in the Roc King mentoring program, an orientation camp for Grade 9 students.

Like most students, school has its good and bad points, as far as Steenhoek is concerned. But there was little negative about where she went to school.

"King City has a great atmosphere," she declared, adding it would have been her first choice as to where to spend four years of high school. "I love the people there."

"I had amazing teachers this year," she added.

Steenhoek's education is going to be continuing in the north, as she plans to study physical and health education at Nipissing University in North Bay, with the longterm aim of teaching high school.

"It's a small university," she observed, although she said she's heard it has a friendly atmosphere and supportive staff. "Students are first there."