Theo Lemay has been awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal (Bronze) for G.P. Vanier’s 2021 graduating class.
Besides having rock-solid grades in all academic courses, Theo is a leader and innovator in the VEX robotics community. From teaching himself programming to developing a library of advanced motion control, his technical skills and team leadership has led to 4 qualifications in the VEX Robotics World Championships hosted in Kentucky.
Theo has won 24 awards at 20 robotics competitions, worked collaboratively with others to develop algorithms and libraries that rival that of university-level teams. Even COVID couldn’t stop Theo from competing, recently placing 6th in the world for the 2021 VEX Competitive Robotics World Championship.
With Theo’s experience, education and interest, the door is wide open for a career in robotics, science, technology, math, or business…. or perhaps all of them? When asked about his passions, Theo replied, “I love applying Math and Science with software and robotics to make really cool and useful things. My goal is to pursue an engineering Degree at Queen’s University (possibly majoring in Mathematics and Engineering or Computer Engineering), and I hope to innovate in robotics, mathematics and programming.”
“We here at Vanier are extremely interested in following the promising career goals of Theo Lemay,” said Vanier principal, Leo Mckillican. “ Theo will be going to Queen’s University as a Schulich Leader, winning a $100,000 scholarship. Congratulations!”
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Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation.
Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.
For nearly 150 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs. Pierre Trudeau, Tommy Douglas, Kim Campbell, Robert Bourassa, Robert Stanfield and Gabrielle Roy are just some of the more than 50,000 people who have received the Governor General’s Academic Medal as the start of a life of accomplishment.
Today, the Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded at four distinct levels: Bronze at the secondary school level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level.
Medals are presented on behalf of the Governor General by participating educational institutions, along with personalized certificates signed by the Governor General.