Thake and Perkins Inducted into Hall of Distinction
(Pictured above: ADHS Principal Gord Phillips congratulates world champion archer Chris
Perkins following his induction into the ADHS Hall of Distinction)
(Athens) – A champion archer and a mayor who has hit the bull’s eye as head of council in every municipal election since 1969 were officially inducted Friday night into the Athens District High School (ADHS) Hall of Distinction.
World champion archer Chris Perkins and Westport Mayor Bill Thake became the latest honourees to be inducted into the prestigious hall, established in 1990 to recognize graduates who have achieved greatness.
Perkins, who attended the ceremony with his family and girlfriend, was unanimously voted into the hall in his first year as an eligible candidate.
The 2010 graduate appeared humbled by the award.
“I never expected to be inducted into the Hall of Distinction just for doing something I really love,” said Perkins, 19, of the Athens area. “I appreciate everything everyone has done for me and I hope to continue to make my community proud.”
Perkins has earned countless medals and trophies in archery. This year, he became the youngest competitor ever to win the Senior Mens World Championship at the 2011 event in Turin, Italy. In 2008, he brought home four gold medals at the Pan American Games in Venezuela, finished first at the FCA Target Championships in Winnipeg and also placed first at the OFSAA School Championships. In 2009, he repeated the OFSAA win, earning a record that still stands, and placed first at the FCA Target Championships in Quebec. In 2010 he earned first at the OAA Target Provincial Championships. In 2011 he also earned gold at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax.
Thake said he was proud to be honoured by his old school.
“It kind of caught me off guard,” said Thake, 75. “I’m certainly very humbled and proud about it. It’s also very nice to be recognized for your work while you’re still alive. You feel that perhaps you really did do some good in your lifetime.”
Thake has been reeve or mayor in Westport since 1969. He also served as warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville for four terms. His accomplishments include: bringing a sewer system to the village of Westport; shepherding construction of a new arena; a new fire hall, and a new harbour in the village; and supervising the renovations to town hall in Westport.
The mayor ran Bill Thake TV and Refrigeration in Westport for 40 years.
(Pictured above: The latest entries into the ADHS Hall of Distinction, Westport Mayor
Bill Thake, left, and world champion archer Chris Perkins are pictured following
Friday's ceremony.)
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For more information, please call:
Gord Phillips
Principal
Athens District High School
613-924-2618
Posted December 5, 2011