Two young local teens who have passed away have created a legacy through their memories.
One graduating West Ferris Secondary School student has brought the memories of the teens together through her award-winning actions.
Noah Dugas passed away in the fall of 2020 at the age of 13, while Jack Lyons passed away suddenly at his North Bay area home in the spring of 2022.
Much like Noah Dugas and the foundation named after him, Hannah, Jack's younger sister has tried to turn the tragedy of a teen's passing into a positive.
During the recent West Ferris Secondary School graduation, Hannah, who plans to study Nursing at Canadore College in the fall, was handed a NoahStorng Award. It was presented to Hannah by Jody Luesby-Dugas, Noah's mother.
The award goes to a student who exemplifies Noah's affirmations. Those honoured are respected by their peers for their demonstrated acts of kindness.
"Hannah is consistently observed helping those who are often excluded," West Ferris stated in its nomination letter to the NoahStorng Foundation.
"She's a cheerleader for everyone's efforts and achievements. She may not be winning cross-country races but she's at the finish line celebrating her team's efforts. Hannah isn't looking for accolades for herself but she generously offers them to all.
Hannah's teachers believe she lives and breathes Noah's affirmations like they are her own.
"Hannah has no idea what an incredible human she is," the West Ferris teachers stated.
Hannah is part of the "Best Buddies" program at West Ferris Secondary School.
She is a regular volunteer with the Special Olympics soccer and swimming programs. She is in the pool and on the pitch swimming and running alongside the athletes — always encouraging and modelling good sportsmanship.
She was part of the "Light it Up Blue" autism awareness campaign in memory of her brother Jack. Hannah and her family have raised considerable funds for an inclusive playground at One Kids Place.
See related; West Ferris student awarded for giving back to Special Olympics
See also: This playground is inspired by his soul
Back in the fall of 2023, Lyons was recognized by Special Olympics Ontario as the Unified Partner of the Year.
Lyons has been a Unified Partner for more than two years.
Unified Sports is described as "joining people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding."
In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability.
Hannah Lyons' passion for helping in the Special Olympics comes from the relationship she had with her brother.
"At a very young age, Hannah could be seen at every district swim and track meet, either cheering on her older brother who competed in Special Olympics or even holding his hand and running the 50-metre race with him, " Special Olympics Ontario added.
