Cassidy Bradley Shines In Sports And In Classroom

Focus on Youth, By Phill Potter

Name: Cassidy Bradley  

Age: 17

Address: Barrhaven

School: Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary

Grade: 12

Parents: Sharon & Sean Bradley

Sister: Skylar (15), grade 10, LDHSS

Pet: Oscar, 4 year old bulldog

Pet Peeve: “Slow walkers, or people that can’t admit they are wrong.”

Part-time Work: “Lifeguard and Swim Instructor with the City of Ottawa and Movati.”

Favourite Subjects:

“This year I’m taking English, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. Biology is my favourite.”

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

“Ever since I was young, I’ve loved reading fantasy, but I also like mystery as well.”

Who is your favourite author?

“I definitely love the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling, but some of my other favourite authors include Sarah J.Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.”

What is your greatest accomplishment?

“Being a four-time competitor at OFSAA for Swimming, Track & Field and Cross Country running. I’m also proud about being a Silver-Medalist all throughout High School, and will be earning a Certificate of Bilingual Studies (French Immersion).”

School Activities:

“Last year I attended OCV (Ottawa-Carleton Virtual School) but I’m back at LDH this year. Being online for a year was surprisingly good! I had a chance to meet quite a few new people from different schools across Ottawa, and even be in the same class with one of my best friends Ashley Lafontaine from Nepean High School!

“Even though I was with OCV, I still felt like I was at Longfields, since I had so many teachers that taught there. This includes my chemistry teacher Ms. Olson who would still try and do as much as she could with her kitchen chemistry. I loved how certain teachers really tried to make it as engaging as possible in that new environment, when almost everyone’s cameras and mics are off.

“I always like helping others when they are struggling, and seeing it was hard for some to learn virtually, I want to be a part of a peer mentorship and tutoring organization called Auxilium. I was assigned two elementary students and helped them mainly with English, French and Math. I was also a virtual tutor with another student at OCV as well.

“Throughout high school I have been a part of numerous teams. This includes practically every sport besides basketball (sorry Ms. Johnson). I was awarded Junior Athlete of the Year in 2020, so I’m excited that more and more teams are starting up again, like cross country. I’m thankful for the constant encouragement from both Ms. Adams and Mr. Mochizuki, and for making this season possible for us. I qualified for OFSAA last fall and placed in the top 25% when competing in Sudbury. This year I’m excited to get ready to compete at Ontario and National Championships, hosted here mid and late November with my Cross Country Team.

“I have always wanted to do a triathlon, and plan to do one this year. I’m thinking about starting a club for other students to train for one as well. I’m still working out the logistics, but it will be more independent of school because of covid. I know many students, especially those on the cross-country team are interested in joining.

“I was part of the Athletic Council my first two years of high school, helping organize many different events, including a Turkey Shoot, Intramurals, Kids Holiday Party, and the Year-end Athletic Banquet. I was also a member of Ravens Voice, where the goal was to try and make Longfields an inclusive environment for everyone by hearing different perspectives.”

Other Activities/Interests:

“Outside of school, I’m part of the Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club as a mid-distance and cross country runner, where we train for cross country in the fall, and track in the winter and spring.

“I love being out in nature. Our family goes camping every year at Sandbanks Provincial Park, as it is our favourite spot. I enjoy going for hikes and discovering some new trails we haven’t been on before.

“Two summers ago my dad and I did a 150 km bike ride to camp at Murphy’s Point, and then to our cottage in Westport. Being up at the cottage with my family is the best, especially when we go canoeing, kayaking, tubing, water-skiing, and of course swimming together. As you can see the water has been a huge part of my life. I went from competing competitively with Nepean Artistic Swimming (Synchro), to volunteering with them as an assistant coach, and for swim meets to working as a lifeguard and swim instructor.”

Career Goals:

“I will be applying for universities very soon, and I’m thinking of studying Biology at uOttawa. I took kinesiology last year and realized I was very interested in the anatomy and physiology aspects of it.

“I have biology this semester and I am already seeing how they relate which I find really fascinating. From there, I’m not quite sure what I want to do, maybe medical studies. Another option for me is teaching. I’ve been surrounded by so many great role models in that profession that have made lasting impacts, including those in my family and those at school, especially Ms. Atkinson. I hope that one day maybe I’ll be in the same place they are, helping students discover their passions and become better people. Whatever I chose to do I’m thankful that my parents have always supported me and pushed me when I needed to be pushed. They taught me the importance of working hard, trying my best, and being kind to others.”