March 2025: Student of the Month

The Student of the Month for March is Caitlin McCourt, a Grade 9 student at Riverside Secondary School. Caitlin is a remarkable example of this month’ s theme of “innovation”.

Caitlin is a driving force behind the Save IB initiative. She took an innovative approach to student advocacy by organizing walkouts and meetings, and represented student voice in media interviews. As the coordinator of social media, Caitlin used innovative posts to  raise awareness and rally support, leading to an incredible 1,315 signatures on a petition. She even spoke at a town hall meeting, advocating for innovative transportation solutions for students residing outside of Riverside’s boundary. Caitlin’s innovative efforts demonstrate her unwavering commitment to ensuring that Riverside remains a hub for academic excellence.

Beyond her advocacy work, Caitlin is a dedicated athlete and Hive community member. She is member of the Jr. Girls Basketball team and Jr. Girls Badminton team. Caitlin further supports school athletics at the Hive through the Riverside Athletic Association, where she contributes to pep rallies, advertises school sporting events and volunteers after school.  She is also actively involved in Riverside’s Women’s Empowerment group, helping organize innovative events like the Slumber Party while working on ticket sales and promotion. Caitlin’s innovative ideas and social media posts make Riverside’s school events engaging and entertaining.

Caitlin’s passion for community service is strong. She has volunteered at the Living Without Limitations Stroke and Brain Injury Camp since the age of seven. She uses innovative and creative approaches to helping individuals regain confidence in activities like biking, swimming, and arts and crafts. Additionally, she volunteers at her mother’s workplace, the Rehabilitation Institution of Michigan, where she assists with organizational tasks and designs innovative bulletin boards, including one recently honoring Black medical professionals. Caitlin is proof that innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about actioning new ideas to create engagement and advocacy for a better future.

Congratulations Caitlin for being selected by Student Senate as the March Student of the Month for the theme of “innovation”.