ABRAM-VILLAGE – Evangeline School’s senior athletes of the year both admit it was a “surprise” when their names were announced as winners of the 2017-18 top athletic awards.
Katelyn Milligan of Miscouche was introduced as the female winner, and Evan Gallant of Abram-Village was the recipient of the male award. The presentations took place during the school’s annual Awards Gala recently.
“It was very exciting and overwhelming,” said Milligan. “I felt very grateful to be nominated, and receive the award. It shows if you put a lot of hard work into something you love, you will be rewarded.”
Gallant added, “It was exciting.”
Click here for story on Evangeline School's intermediate students and athletes of the year:
Milligan
Milligan represented Evangeline School in fall and spring volleyball, and in track and field. The Grade 11 student was named a tournament all-star at the centre position in the P.E.I. School Athletic Association (PEISAA) Senior A Girls Volleyball League provincial championship in Kinkora in November. She also excelled in track and field. After finishing first in shot put at the western zone meet, Milligan went on to win a gold medal at the PEISAA championships at UPEI last weekend.
“I beat my personal record (at provincials) as well,” noted the 17-year-old daughter of Rachel and Greg Milligan. “All the competitors were wonderful and encouraging.”
Evangeline School athletic director Jason Arsenault described Milligan as a perfect student-athlete.
“Katelyn is an intense competitor with a contagious, positive attitude,” said Arsenault. “It’s easy to see that she has a lot of respect and convictions for whatever sport she is participating in.
“She is always willing to help out, and lend a hand. She is not one to criticize a member of her team. On the contrary, she always has an encouraging word to share.”
Milligan, who hopes to pursue a career in human resources or as a youth worker following graduation from high school, said there are two highlights that stand out in her mind from the 2017-18 school year.
“Having the volleyball team become like a family and being so close, and beating my personal bests in shot put,” continued Milligan.
Gallant
Gallant played striker in soccer, competed in singles and mixed badminton and ran the 400 metres in track and field. Outside of school, Evan completed his third season with the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild major midget hockey team, and was named most valuable player of the 2018 provincial championship series against Charlottetown.
“It doesn’t matter what the sport is, it’s no fluke this individual is always named most valuable player, most dedicated player and is top scorer,” said Arsenault. “What we see is his impressive accomplishments, but it’s what we don’t see that is even more impressive in Evan’s case. It’s the hours of training, dedication and hard work that makes him an exceptional athlete.”
The 18-year-old son of Jamie and the late Yvette Gallant says he will graduate from Evangeline School with many fond memories.
“It’s a very close-knit school,” said Gallant. “That allows you to know everybody, and be friends with everyone.”
As for any particular sports memories that may stand out, Gallant quickly replied: “Just the fun we had, and being with the guys. We always had fun, especially on the bus rides.”
Gallant’s final year of high school soccer also provided a highlight as the short-staffed Coyotes competed for a PEISAA Senior A Boys Soccer League championship.
“We made it a lot farther than we thought,” added Gallant, who plans to study kinesiology at university. “We only had one sub every game, and got third.”
Students of the year
Also during the Awards Gala, Colby Arsenault and Luc Gallant were introduced as the senior students of the year. Both are in Grade 12.
Arsenault is the 18-year-old daughter of Pam and Brian Arsenault of Wellington. Her future plans include becoming a radiology technician.
“She is a quiet leader, kind and gentle,” said Evangeline School principal Paulette LeBlanc. “(Colby) always has a smile or a kind word to give.
“She’s always ready to help, and sees obstacles as opportunities to learn.”
LeBlanc noted Arsenault was the secretary of the Grade 12 class committee, and president of the student’s graduating album committee.
Gallant is the 17-year-old son of Odette and Dennis Gallant of Mont-Carmel, and served as vice-president of the student council committee.
“He’s involved in anything that can help his community, or kids to progress in sports,” said LeBlanc. “He’s organized and responsible in all he does.
“He has a great attitude, and always looks for ways to improve. . . He’s not afraid to work hard.”
Gallant will study human kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University.
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Awards
Evangeline School athletic awards:
Cross-Country
Bantam
Most dedicated male – Brady Arsenault.
Intermediate
Most dedicated males – Frederick Morency, Taylor Arsenault, Patrick Bernard.
Juvenile
Most dedicated female – Maria Arsenault.
Most dedicated male – Joel Gallant.
Senior
Most dedicated male – Luc Gallant.
Volleyball
Intermediate Girls
MDP – Andraya Gallant.
MVP – Ryanna Ryan.
Senior Girls
Most improved player (MIP) – Britney Arsenault.
Most dedicated player (MDP) – Marissa Gallant.
Most valuable players (MVPs) – Katelyn Milligan, Julie MacDonald.
Soccer
Intermediate Boys
MDP – Miguel Arsenault.
MVP – Taylor Arsenault.
Senior Boys
Rookie of the year – Bryce Corkum.
MDP – Julien Robichaud.
MVPs – Evan Gallant, Chad Arsenault.Golf
Senior Boys
Rookie of the year – Bryce Corkum.
MDP – Morgan Arsenault.
MIP – Clayton Arsenault.
MVP – Christian Gallant.Badminton
Bantam
Most dedicated females – Ryanna Ryan, Leah McIsaac.
Most dedicated male – Cameron Milligan.
Most improved male – Brent Arsenault.
Intermediate
Most dedicated female – Renée Gallant.
Most dedicated male – Taylor Arsenault.
Most improved female – Tianna Gallant.
Juvenile
Most dedicated males – Joel Gallant, Chad Arsenault.
Most improved male – Bryce Corkum.
Senior
Most dedicated female – Stephanie Arsenault.
Most dedicated male – Evan Gallant.Track and Field
Bantam
Most dedicated female – Makenzie Hambly.
Most dedicated male – Cameron Milligan.
Intermediate
Most dedicated female – Tianna Gallant.
Most dedicated male – Frederick Morency.
Juvenile
Most dedicated female – Maria Arsenault.
Most dedicated male – Joel Gallant.
Senior
Most dedicated female – Katelyn Milligan.
Most dedicated male – Luc Gallant.Athletes of the Year
Intermediate female – Tianna Gallant.
Intermediate male – Frederick Morency.
Senior female – Katelyn Milligan.
Senior male – Evan Gallant.
