Proud parents....

I am one proud Mama! Last night daughter Laura received one of the FHS Black Kat Scholar Awards, given to a small group of Honours graduates. There were 33 recipients, out of a Grad class of 448 students. This award is given to students who have maintained an Honours average in each of their 4 high school years, and as well have been involved in a number of intra and extra-curricular activities; in essence it recognizes the "all-round student". To quote the ceremony program "This recognition in unique in that it is an acknowledgement of the pursuit of academic excellence by students concurrent with involvement in extracurricular activities". Besides being Large Black F recipients (Honours), students must qualify in three or more of seven categories: Community Volunteer Service (minimum 100 hours), Yellow F (Varsity Sports), Small Black F (at least 6 extracurricular activities), Duke of Edinburgh Award, Music Proficiency (minimum Grade 8 Conservatory), etc. etc. The list of achievements by these young men and women was astonishing. Many had been or currently are on provincial and national teams, some are representing our province in the Canada Summer Games, a number play with the NB Youth Orchestra and have travelled to Beijing China to perform, one young man already has his Private Pilot's license...the list went on and on. Music was a common thread- we are so fortunate to have many wonderful music opportunities for youth in our city- many are very accomplished musicians, and we enjoyed a performance by a talented string quartet. Speed skating, swimming, skiing, curling and soccer were sports where these youth have excelled; three are already running small photography businesses; many are displaying leadership skills through Cadets, coaching, lifeguarding, and private tutoring and teaching. Many community organizations and institutions have benefitted from their volunteer time (Cdn. Cancer Society, Hospital, Nursing Homes, Soup kitchen, Food bank, etc.)

Every parent and teacher/administrator there was beaming... it is so nice to see hard-working students be recognized; too often our youth get a "bad rap" because of the actions of a few.... those in trouble with the law, those involved with drugs, etc.

One of the things that made me especially proud was that of the 33, 10 of them began their education at our local elementary, Garden Creek School. My children attended GCS, as did my brothers and I and our father. You can believe I will be sending this photo and a huge Thank You to the GCS staff for the excellent start they have given our children.

Piece,

Linda

"There are only two lasting bequests we can leave our children: one is roots, the other, wings". ~ H. Carter