Olivia Lachapelle looks forward to going to Honduras. A Grade 11 student at École secondaire catholique Champlain in Chelmsford, Lachapelle knew she wanted in the moment she heard about it. The trip is being organized by Carol Bradley-Whissell, a teacher at Champlain. It will involve a group of roughly 15 students who will be participating in April of 2025.
Champlain’s humanitarian trip to Honduras has been in the works since the spring of 2024.
“It’s still a few months away, and not all the details are set in stone,” Lachapelle said. “From my understanding, we will be spending 10 days volunteering in a small Honduran town called Copan, growing together as a team and learning the foreign culture.
“Each duo of students will be placed in a family’s home and will have the opportunity to learn firsthand their lifestyle, eating habits and hopefully pick up a few Spanish phrases. I know this trip will be one I will never forget.”
When not busy planning for a humanitarian mission to Honduras, Lachapelle is involved with the school’s Student Parliament, something she’s been doing since Grade 9. This year she was made the vice president.
“Since my elementary school days, I have always wanted to make a difference. Coming from a small school, and my graduating class being all of 18 students, I knew that in high school there needed to be representation,” she said.
“After doing the research, I found out that there was no one from St-Étienne, my small elementary school, on the Student Parliament at Champlain. I decided it was my responsibility to be that representation, so I signed up for student politics.
“Since then, I have been able to speak for the students in my grade, while making a difference for my school, and in my community. Animating our rallies, sharing speeches, innovating ideas and organizing activities are a few of the tasks we complete on a weekly basis. This year, as vice president, my goal is to be a role model for the young students and maintain a positive and welcoming environment for all. I’m thrilled to see what next year has in store for me, as I hope to become president of Champlain’s Student Parliament.”
Not one for down time, during the summer Lachapelle worked at Camp Soleil, a summer camp 15 minutes from Noëlville on the shores of Trout Lake. Camp Soleil seeks to enrich young Francophones in Northern Ontario. Lachapelle worked with youth ages 7-13 years-old.
“In the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to complete four volunteer weeks at Camp Soleil. I had the time of my life. After that experience, I knew I couldn’t go another summer without working there.”
Lachapelle put in the hours and managed to obtain her certifications in lifeguarding in time to work at the camp.
“Luckily, all my hard work paid off, and I was hired for the summer of 2024,” she said. “Safe to say, last summer was one I will never forget. I spent eight weeks with all my favourite people, made new friends and most importantly developed my Francophone culture. I cannot wait to see what the summer of 2025 has in store!”
Having been a swimmer from a young age, Lachapelle considers her swimming certifications to be one of her greatest accomplishments.
“Two summers ago, when I decided I wanted to work at Camp Soleil, I started the long process of acquiring all the necessary requirements. On December 1st of 2024, after two full years of grit, determination, time and money, I finally got certified as a swim instructor with the City of Greater Sudbury.
“My next goal is to get hired, preferably at the Onaping Pool, which is closest to home. I am excited to take the next step in my journey and apply my skills to help others enjoy and learn safe swimming practices.”
Asked about volunteerism, Lachapelle sees it as a learning experience.
“Big or small, whether it’s four weeks at a summer camp or three hours reffing volleyball, I always come out having learned something,” she said. “Over the past three years, I have built connections, had an impact on my community and gained experience, all through volunteering. Student Parliament, Camp Soleil, Café Heritage and Club 50 are few of the many local organizations I have volunteered for. Volunteer opportunities are everywhere; it’s up to you to take them.”
Lachapelle said she is inspired by her friends, and the possibilities that may lie ahead.
“I push myself everyday because one day I hope to provide for those around me and live a joyful and comfortable life. I surround myself with the most incredible people who push me to be a better version of myself, and are always there to lend a hand,” she said. “My best friend, Nova, has gone through so much this year. She is one of my biggest inspirations. Her determination, confidence and kind heart are things I admire. Friendship is built on trust, support and shared memories, and it’s a bond that grows stronger through both the good times and the challenges.”
She credits her parents for attitude and outlook toward life.
“My parents are two of the most hardworking people I know. I’m living through their values and lessons. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Looking into the future, Lachapelle is ambitious.
“This semester, I had the occasion to participate in a co-operative education placement at a local law firm. This placement helped me determine that I would like to pursue my post-secondary education in the field of law. Reading and writing are my strong suits, which is why I think this field of work would be perfect for me.”
Oliva Lachapelle’s words of inspiration
“Everything happens for a reason. Every experience, every circumstance has a purpose or is part of a larger plan. This mindset has helped me overcome many challenges. It’s been a key to my personal growth. As I trek through my high school experience, this thought always comes back to me. One bad test isn’t going to make you fail. One silly argument with a friend doesn’t need to end a friendship. Life gives you many opportunities, and my advice is to take them.
“Never be afraid to do the things you love and always be true to yourself. I read this quote, it said ‘you can’t add days to your life, but you can add life to your days’. I live by that. So embrace every moment, learn from each experience, and remember that everything, even the struggle, is shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.