1989-1990 P.P.H.S Girls Volleyball
Team – Class of 2024
Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association Champions
Back row: Benny Kjiersdam, Jo-Anne Brownlee, Sherry Barber, Susie Wiggins, Tina Hillier, Michelle Brain,
John Armstrong Front row: Sylvie Chevalier, Ruth Armstrong, Leanne Smart, Nancy Caldwell
This group of Senior Girls Upper Ottawa Valley Volleyball Champions from 1990, coached by John Armstrong and Benny Kjiersdam, exemplifies the PPHS/PHS motto of Spirit, Sport and Study.
During the 1980s and 90s, PPHS competed athletically as part of the Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association (UOVHSAA). There were twelve schools in the UOVHSAA league and Pontiac High School was one of nine schools that were considered “A” schools, having a student enrolment of less than 599 bodies. In 1990, the Senior girls finished first in the league, not only qualifying for playoffs but also being named host to the championship event. The Senior PPHS girls dominated Mackenzie High in the semi-final round, then beat Madawaska by a score of 17-15, 15-11, 15-12, to claim a hard-earned victory.
This victory meant a four-year consecutive win for this team of Girls Volleyball in the UOVHSAA League. An athletic feat that would not be repeated while PHS remained a part of the Ontario League.
(86-87- Junior “A” Champions and EOSSA Junior Champions, 87-88 –Junior “A” Champions and Junior League Champions, 1988-89 – Junior “A” Champions, 1989-90 – Senior “A” Champions)
Several members of this Volleyball team were also recognized for their well-rounded athletic abilities achieving the following titles: (86-87 – Nancy Caldwell – Top Female Junior Athlete, 87-88 – Nancy Caldwell – Outstanding Junior Athlete, 88-89 – Leanne Smart & Ruth Armstrong – Top Senior Female Athletes, 89-90 – Sherry Barber – Top Female Athlete, 89-90 – Leanne Smart – Top Female Athlete (Award of Distinction), 89-90 – Nancy Caldwell – Outstanding Senior Athlete)
This Volleyball team embedded the core values of competitive team sport into their lives both in and after high school and used their coaching lessons to launch themselves into successful careers. The drive for success was and continues to be a key factor in all aspects of their lives.
Rarely will you find such a high caliber group of athletic teammates who truly characterized all areas of the PPHS/PHS motto of Spirit, Sport and Study.