Welcome to the John Knox Christian School

ALUMNI CONNECTION

 

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We continue to recognize the value of our deep roots in the community and would love to include you in our future communications. Please click on the link below to stay connected and in the loop.

 
 
 

Alumni Highlight

Visit back often to read special Alumni Highlights

 

Jerome Hector

Class of 2007

1. Where has God led you on your journey after JKCS?

After my time at JKCS I knew roughly that I had an interest in emerging technology and business but didn’t know how exactly they would manifest themselves in the coming years. My interest in these two areas is particularly relevant for my current role as Manager, Management Consulting at KPMG LLP. In this role, I work with many familiar Canadian companies advising them on how they can leverage technology (such as Intelligent Automation) to operate more efficiently and add value for employees, customers, and investors. In this environment there’s always something to learn and challenges that need to be overcome, which have proven to be extremely rewarding.

2. How have your years at JKCS helped to provide a solid foundation for your educational, professional, and personal journey?

On occasion, I’m reminded of my time at JKCS and reflect fondly on the Christian values that continue to be instrumental to my journey personally, academically, and professionally. Personally, I’m reminded to practice empathy and understanding throughout my interactions with other people and challenge myself to make meaningful relationships. Academically, I discovered that realizing my potential is directly related to my dedication – something my teachers instilled in me, and has continued with me in my master’s program (MBA) at Ivey Business School. Professionally, I continue to seek out my interests with the understanding that God is ultimately in control. I trust in God to continue leading me on my journey, and I’m thankful for JKCS for this life changing foundation.

 

Adam Wiedemann

class of 2010

Since a very young age it has always been a dream of mine to play professional lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League.

In 2018 that dream came true when I was drafted in the first round, 8th overall to the Georgia Swarm. This day is really special to me because I got to experience it with my best friend, and John Knox alumnus, Luke VanSchepen, who was also drafted that day! We played together our whole lives, and even though we were chosen to different teams, it will forever be a moment
I cherish.

I am in my 3rd season with the Georgia Swarm.  I live in Caledon, ON and fly out to games and practices every weekend from November to May. During the week I work for KR Contracting with Kirk Riedstra who is also a lifelong friend and another John Knox alumnus.

Going to John Knox has blessed me with many life-long connections. Most of my current best buddies are all alumni from John Knox. The connections and friendships I made are genuine and true and have lasted throughout the years; that is special to me. The teachers and the whole atmosphere at John Knox allowed us to build these friendships that last. From great class trips to Reading Buddies program, to sports teams and track and field days; these are all great memories.

Having these connections and support, and the fact that God has given me a path that has allowed me to live my dream, a lot of that stemmed from JKCS and I am grateful for my time there.

I encourage everyone to make close connections and surround yourself with people who care about you and encourage you to always go after your dream.

 

Grace Sweetman

Class of 2017

In early 2020, Grace was selected as one of 30 young people from around the world to be part of a youth panel for the United Nations Day of General Discussion on the Rights of the Child. and she began attending several virtual meetings in preparation for the BIG day. After several Covid delays and a shift from an in-person meeting in Geneva to a virtual meeting, in September of 2021, Grace addressed the UN (United Nations). As quoted from her address, ‘Every child deserves to be listened to, respected, and taken seriously by adults.’

In 2019, Grace was selected as part of a panel of students to talk about Disabilities and Education at Ryerson University. She continues to advocate for children with special needs and on October 11, 2021, addressed WHO (World Health Organization) as they discussed developmental disabilities and mental health and how these issues are handled around the world.

Since 2014, Grace has also been a proud member of PCT Eternity, a Cheerleading organization who have been named as 'Team Canada—Special Abilities' every year since 2018.

Grace shared a few personal reflections about her time at JKCS

JKCS has been so important in my learning and personal growth. Living with multiple disabilities is far from easy but JKCS taught me that even despite the struggles I may face, I can achieve great things. In Grade 6, Mrs. M. helped me to feel more included in track and field; instead of competing against my peers, I competed against myself. Although my personal athletic events might not bring my team to victory, and no records were broken, I proved to myself that I am capable of doing better. By persevering and putting in my best effort I accomplished something that I didn't think would have been possible—I completed the 1500 metre run! What a great lesson!

While this may not seem relevant, I think when you look at all the suffering going on in the world it's hard to see how we can ever overcome those issues. But just as I competed in track and field, we just have to take things one step at a time. If you work hard and believe in a better world, then you can achieve things that people never thought would be possible. My work requires a lot of faith and perseverance, sometimes I get discouraged but I feel this is what God wants me to do and how he is working through me, by changing the lives of individuals one step at a time.