Two important things happen in June: hockey and school!
The Stanley Cup Playoffs have finally wrapped up and depending on a person's leanings, they are either ecstatic or devastated. As well, Snow Lake's annual graduation convocation and celebration just took place ... and the fact that one more group of our young folks has reached this milestone is cause for everyone to be delighted!
For parents, 12 years of rousting their child from bed and out the door to school is about to end. There are no doubt a few things that most parents won't miss, but for those whose child will move on to further their education or work, there are things too many to count that they will miss each and every day.
For students, the realization that they won't have anyone hassling them to do their homework, about being late, to get that assignment in, and to eat something that is good for them, makes them smile that it's all finally over. However, those same students are a little anxious, because they know deep down that they needed that, and mom and dad won't be there to do it anymore.
Nevertheless, these things aren't new to life or to those who live it. Everything moves forward, we get over our anxieties and trepidation, because there is a whole new world out there waiting for a high school graduate. For parents, there will be many more times in your child's future that you will swell with the same pride you feel on the day that they graduate. For students, there will be countless occasions that you will silently thank your parents for what they gave of themselves in order for you acquire the skills to make it in the world. It will all start soon, but enough about that ... allow us to introduce you to Snow Lake's 2011 graduating class:
Derek Randall Booth is the 18-year-old son of Cameron Booth. He plans to attend Brandon University in the fall, where he will study psychology. When Derek thinks about leaving Snow Lake and what he will miss, he believes it will be the community's simplicity and peacefulness. Some words that mean something to Derek are: "Live life to the fullest."
Toni Candice Butt is 18 and the daughter of Ann Marie and Tony Butt. Her plan, come September, is to study business administration at Brandon's Assiniboine Community College. In addition to her family, friends and cat, Lovie, Toni says she will miss the small town atmosphere and the quiet of Snow Lake. Toni's words of wisdom are, "Don't cry over the past, it's gone. Don't stress about the future, it hasn't arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful."
Brandon Thomas Cook is the 22-year-old son of Andrew Cook from Gibsons, B.C. and Carole Bailey from Port Coquitlam, B.C. Brandon is currently working for Denare Beach Mechanical, but plans to apply at HBM&S and perhaps someday get his welding ticket. He says that he will continue to live in Snow Lake, so what's to miss? Brandon says some words that have meaning for him are: "Work before play; I wouldn't be who or where I am if it wasn't for my father."
Jessica Kathleen Davies is 18 and the daughter of Laurie and Stephen Davies. Jessica says that she be enrolled in the outdoor program, taking leadership training at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg come fall. She says that she will miss her friends and family and especially the community. Her words to live by are: " A hug is worth a thousand words, a friendship worth more."
Richard Gartley, 19, is the son of Kevin and Leanne Gartley. Richard hopes to get a job and work for Digit Exploration, but says that if that isn't to be, he will find work someplace. He says that after school it will be nice to experience a different world ... and other than the people in Snow Lake, he won't miss a whole lot. Richard's words to live by are: "Go with the flow, everything will work out to the greatest extent."
Mary Ashley Hughes is 17 and the daughter of Michael (Gerry) and Wanda Hughes. She will follow her sister Nasya into the medical field when she enrols in nursing at the University of Manitoba in September. Mary will miss her friends, family and the smallness of Snow Lake. Her words of wisdom are: "Go big or go home."
Ashley Nicole McCartney is 18 years old and is the daughter of Shelly and Audey McCartney. She plans to take cosmetology in the fall at college in Brandon. Ashley says what she will miss is feeling safe everywhere she goes, as well as her family and friends. She also thinks that it will be different going from knowing everyone to knowing no one. Some words that mean something to Ashley are: "Live like there is no tomorrow."
Anna Jacqueline Roberts is 18 years old and the daughter of Jack and Joanne Roberts. She has plans to take human nutritional science when she attends the University of Manitoba in the fall. Her hope is to become a registered dietician. Anna will miss her friends and family when she leaves Snow Lake. Words of wisdom from her are: "Live for the moment."
Catlin Walker is the 19-year-old son of Crystal Walker and Cory Anaka. Catlin says that he hopes to get on with HudBay and to work for a while, as he hasn't decided about school yet. Catlin notes that he won't miss anything about Snow Lake, as he won't be leaving for a while. So until then, he will just be a part of what everyone else misses! Caitlin's words to live by are: "I like to go with the flow, whatever happens, happens."
Michael Warren is 18 and the son of Blake Warren. He plans to take university one in the fall, with his eye on getting into a tattooing apprenticeship. Michael says that he will miss the smallness of Snow Lake. His words of wisdom are: "Bite off more than you can chew... then chew it!"
And finally (we are going alphabetically here) April Chantal Webb is the 18-year-old daughter of Evelyn and Dennis Webb. April will attend College in the fall, taking a nail technician course; she plans to take cosmetology in the following year. She will miss the safeness and easygoing lifestyle of the town, as well as her parents and friends. April's words of wisdom are taken from an old Eagles song that everyone might remember:" Lighten up while you still can, don't even try to understand, just find a place to make your stand and take it easy."
There you have it folks, Snow Lake's Class of 2011... congratulations graduates!
