Northern Lights Public Schools is pleased to recognize Zoey Cardinal from Cold Lake Outreach School (CLOS) as this month’s Student Shining Star.
Zoey’s journey through high school has not been without challenges, but her determination to succeed and commitment to her education has served as an inspiration to her classmates and the staff at CLOS.
After attending Cold Lake High School for a short time, she made the decision to switch to CLOS, where the flexible scheduling and self-paced structure allowed her to take greater ownership of her education.
“I wasn’t fully focusing on my classes—I was skipping a lot,” Zoey shared. “So I ended up coming to Cold Lake Outreach in Grade 10. And the switch has been pretty good. I like it here. I like that you get to go at your own pace. It’s nice and flexible, and it really works with different learning styles. It helps a lot.”
Since making the move to CLOS, Zoey has found an environment that supports her growth, both at at the academic level, and on a personal level. With a strong support system around her, she has been able to refocus and work steadily toward her goal of graduating.
“Zoey has transformed her life this past year,” shared her teacher, Veronica Montgomery. “She is committed to her learning and is making great strides to graduate next year, and her extraordinary attitude and gratefulness exudes a prominent force in the classroom.”
A proud resident of Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Zoey is deeply connected to her culture and community. She is known at school for her kindness, her artistic talents, and the thoughtful perspective she brings to classroom conversations.
“Her culture and faith are extremely important to her,” said Montgomery. “Our conversations in the classroom are a learning experience for anyone who has the privilege of listening.”
Zoey’s social nature and uplifting personality make her a valued part of the CLOS community. Whether it’s her compassion, sharing her incredible artwork, or simply showing up with a smile, she continues to inspire others through her actions and outlook.
Zoey plans to pursue a career in social work or psychology after high school, with a goal of supporting and advocating for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children. Her goals reflect the same qualities she brings to school every day—empathy, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference.
“I love talking with people about their emotions and helping them,” said Zoey. “I really like kids and love being around them, and I want to be someone they can trust, especially as someone who understands what they’re going through and can just be there for them.”
“Zoey’s courage, grace, and motivation demonstrate that perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude truly pave the way for a brighter future,” said Montgomery. “She instills the belief that even though our paths may look bleak and dim at times, brighter times are ahead. Zoey has lit up her path!”
"Throughout the year, Zoey has demonstrated outstanding academic perseverance and has been a consistent source of positivity and inspiration within our school," said Rose Lapointe, principal of Northern Lights Outreach Schools. "Her dedication to her studies, paired with her kind and respectful demeanor, truly make her a shining example for others. The Shining Star Award celebrates students who go above and beyond, and Zoey embodies everything this award represents. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition—your hard work and leadership have not gone unnoticed, and your school community is proud of you!"
Zoey is the NLPS Student Shining Star for April, 2025. Each month during the 2024-2025 school year, NLPS recognizes students and staff who are making a difference in their schools and communities.