Recitation Grand Finale: It was the Cat’s Meow!

In its 10th year, The Cat’s Meow made its biggest splash yet in the YHS community. Three hundred senior students competed to earn one of the seventeen spots at this evening event, and the finalists did not disappoint the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. All of these girls deserve special recognition for this achievement alone. They are:

Grade 8
Anna
Jasmine

Grade 9
Julia
Shae
Maggie
Emily

Grade 12
Rachel
Muhan
Jasmyne

Grade 10
Anisha
Stephanie
Fraser
Lucy

Grade 11 
Ariane
Georgia
Taneisha
Ally

 Cat's Meow Recitation Grand Finale
Click for more photos from the Cat’s Meow Recitation Grand Finale.

The night was highlighted by some of the most poignant, emotional performances ever seen at the final, as well as some laugh-out-loud speeches and monologues.

Our three judges, YHS parents Dylan Brown and Shawn Pozer, and local comedian and writer Mary-Jo Dionne, were truly impressed. Mary-Jo commented that if her young daughter grows up with the confidence and poise that the finalists showed that night, she would be perfectly happy.

While the judges were deliberating, Public Speaking Co-Head Constance and Ms. Boteju went face-to-face in a Haiku Battle for the audience’s “enjoyment”. It was both cringe-worthy and fun…and cringe-worthy. Guru Kassam (Co-Head Jasmyne) awarded bragging rights to Constance in what will surely become a Cat’s Meow tradition.

The prizewinners for the evening were as follows–a very tough decision for the judges!
Click the name to watch the recitation:

Cat's Meow Recitation Grand Finale
Click for more photos.

Junior Category

1st Place – Shae, Grade 9

2nd Place – Emily, Grade 9

Senior Category:

1st Place (and People’s Choice Award)– Ally, Grade 11

2nd Place – Rachel, Grade 12

3rd Place – Stephanie, Grade 10

Best Overall Recitation – Julia, Grade 9

Thanks to the English Department for their work and guidance during class rounds, to the YHS staff who volunteered to judge the grade finals, to our guest judges, and to all the students and staff who helped with photography, videotaping, ushering, and more! And finally, thank you to my incredible Co-Heads, Constance and Jasmyne, who have made the whole process easy and fun!

Congratulations to all students for taking on a worthwhile challenge!

Ms. Boteju
Public Speaking Coach
English Department Head

Celebration of Community

Celebration of Community
Click for photos from the Celebration of Community

On Monday afternoon, the YHS community gathered at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts for the “Celebration of Community”.

This annual event is always a favourite, as it’s a treat to hear our budding musicians perform in such a wonderful venue – the sound is glorious. This year, the event was dedicated to Ms. Ruddy, as it is her last year as Head of School.

Celebration of Community
Click for more photos from the Celebration of Community

The program featured performances from our junior and senior students, including two outstanding solo performances from Samantha, Gr. 11 and Breeshey, Gr. 12. Please watch all the highlights below.

The afternoon was interspersed with readings (Saskia, Gr. 8 and Rainy, Gr. 9), as well as carols sung by all attendees, including “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed” Reindeer” and “The First Noel”. The sing-a-longs always puts everyone in the holiday spirit.

Special thanks to Leith Wheeler Investments for sponsoring this event. See all the photos here.

For a video clip of the Gr. 7 Choir performing “Kusimama (Stand Tall)” at the Jr. Ensemble Night, click here.

For a video clip of the Sr. Concert Band performing “Blue and Green Music” at the Sr. Ensemble Night, click here.