Response to Nova Scotia Provincial School Code of Conduct
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Youth Leader Recognition
As a dedicated student council member at Citadel High School, Benoit took his role seriously and was dedicated to ensuring the needs of his peers were always heard and met.
As an individual with Autism and ADHD, he provided important insight into how sensory environments positively impact students and advocated for a calm, sensory-friendly space at school. He made several presentations to open a conversation with students and faculty and chose to advocate towards a truly accessible school for all students.
Benoit was battling stage four Ewing Sarcoma, and in the face of adversity, he always showed positivity, love, and laughter to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was always upfront about his cancer and Autism and only wanted to be treated like any other kid. He was passionate about participating in Dungeons & Dragons club, school theatre, sharing dad jokes, and being with his classmates. Benoit was a true community leader who found a way to connect with anyone and never shied away from difficult conversations. He always wore a smile and put anyone’s happiness above his own, even on bad or painful days.
He studied between treatments throughout the summer of 2024 to return to normalcy with his classmates in the fall. On May 23, 2025, Benoit joined his fellow classmates and faculty to go across the stage for his graduation, celebrating all the hard work he had accomplished.
Benoit was awarded the Wade Smith Award, which is reserved for a student who has shown academic growth, perseverance, and a commitment to leadership. These are all characteristics that Benoit represented each and every day. There is now a Benoit LaRoche Award at Citadel High School that will recognize a grade 12 awareness of others, advocates for others, and goes above and beyond in the face of adversity.
Benoit’s strength and impactful advocacy deserve to be recognized and celebrated. His impact will leave a lasting legacy on current and future students, faculty, friends, and family.
