For Mother Teresa Middle School alum Blue Cyr, becoming an English teacher was something he never thought would be possible in Grade 6. Struggling with reading and writing he could not have anticipated that years later he would be teaching the subject at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, his high school alma mater. “One of the biggest challenges I faced as a student was my ability to read and write. Assessments showed that I was barely literate,” recalled Cyr.
MTMS provided targeted support both inside and outside the classroom, helping him overcome these obstacles and discover his potential. “One of my most memorable moments at Mother Teresa Middle School was the first time I experienced real academic progress,” said Cyr. He took the same assessment a year later and it showed he had reached grade level in reading and writing. “That moment reminded me how far I had come and showed me what I could accomplish with the right support,” said Cyr.
A Family of Support
(Photo Credit: Maurice Laprairie)
From day one MTMS felt like a family to Cyr. Not only because his older brother Draydin also attended the school but because of the deep sense of belonging created throughout the building. The staff demonstrated care by checking in regularly, offering consistent support and providing encouragement when he needed it most.
That culture of care became the foundation for his educational journey and helped him grow as both a student and person. Cyr says he never took the support for granted, knowing that everyone at MTMS wanted to see him succeed and celebrate his achievements. He encourages current students to do the same. “Everyone in the building genuinely wants to see you do well and celebrate your achievements. When Ms. Cote (MTMS Principal) encourages you to read, she is saying it because reading will open doors that you never knew you had the keys to. Believe in your ability to grow and you will achieve more than you ever imagined,” shared Cyr.
Looking Toward the Future
