Jonathan Lasnier
Collège Jean de la Mennais

If those around him were asked to give a brief description of Jonathan Lasnier, most people would probably sum him up in these few words: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.” In fact many would no doubt say that the Secondary 4 student at Collège Jean de la Mennais is the perfect example of a balance between academic performance, extracurricular involvement and athletic achievement. Among the activities he’s involved in, there’s the student council, the sports committee, the Entraide group, the flag-football team, track and field, cross-country running and the list goes on. “The more I get involved, the more my grades improve. It’s terrific!” he states.

Like most 16-year-olds, Jonathan Lasnier is bursting with energy. And he decided to channel this energy through his involvement in student life, for the most part in sports. “I like it when there’s action, when you sense things are happening. With the student council, our main task is to organize special activities throughout the school year. When it’s time to act as host or boost participation, you can rest assured I will always be on the front line,” says Jonathan with great conviction.

With his manifest joie de vivre, which is highly contagious among his fellow students, Jonathan also devotes this same energy to training, both alone and as part of a team. And this is no doubt one of the main reasons, along with his leadership skills, that he has been elected so many times as captain of the sports teams he’s played on over the years. This was the case last year with the Collège’s flag-football team, for which he also assumes the quarterback position. Assigned this year as “rusher,” the player who puts pressure on the opposing quarterback, he has every intention of once again playing the role of motivator among his teammates.

“When you’re part of a team, be it a sports team or one in charge of setting up a project, it’s important to be able to rely on others and have people who provide support and motivation. I really enjoy acting as a motivator; for me it’s really important. The same goes for cross-country running and track and field. They are both individual disciplines but we train as a team and this helps boosts morale,” Jonathan points out.

Specializing in the 800 metres and 1,500 metres, Jonathan recently took part in the provincial high school track and field championships where he finished in 7^th place in the 800 metres. Determined to participate in the upcoming Jeux du Québec that will be held in Gatineau this summer, Jonathan trains every day and hopes to qualify for the 400, 800 and 1,500 metres. “I know I’ll make it,” he asserts.

Not long ago he also triumphed in cross-country running, finishing 8^th at the high school provincial championships held in Chicoutimi. “It’s not an easy sport and it’s one that really builds character. The minute you overcome an obstacle, you say to yourself you’ll make it and then you’re confronted with yet another hurdle. You have to be well prepared, not only physically but mentally too, and this is what makes all the difference. It’s my source of motivation.”

Though sports are an important part of his life, Jonathan still finds the necessary time to help others through the Entraide group where he plays the role of natural helper, assisting students at his school who are experiencing problems integrating, with their studies and so forth. And then there’s all the volunteer work he does for the Christmas hampers, the annual blood drive and various activities for youngsters.

Jonathan is always willing to lend a hand because, as he so aptly puts it, it is his nature to do so. And the best way he’s found to display this side of himself so it is plain for all to see is by getting involved.

“When I started high school, I didn’t get involved at all. But then by trying out different things, I discovered just how rewarding it could be, both for me and for others. I get to meet new people and take part in unforgettable experiences. And thanks to all this, I have come to realise that even a small gesture can brighten up a person’s day,” he says with a huge smile.

Jonathan Lasnier
Collège Jean de la Mennais