Local schools host first annual Motivational Student Convention Day

Manny Everett

Times Contributor

 

All the best and brightest minds from Hussar, Standard and Rockyford schools came together on May 12 for their First Annual Motivational Student Convention day.

The theme for the day was quoted from Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” 

Students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12 were divided into groups to attend various sessions throughout the day. They began their day as an entire student body to participate in an assembly with a keynote performance by Juggler – Paul Isaac in the Standard gymnasium. 

Paul Isaac has thrilled audiences worldwide. His amazingly funny stage show features juggling, comedy, and audience participation. Whether Isaac is riding a six foot unicycle or juggling with a bowling ball, he kept the crowd laughing. Isaac got full participation from Jr./Sr. high school teacher Mark McKeen who actually got on the unicycle himself much to everyone’s astonishment. Isaac began performing as a Juggler in 1988 and has sinced performed his one man comedy show around the world. Isaac also participated during the rest of the day by hosting one of the sessions on “Learning to Juggle”.

Tracy Brosz (Kindergarten, Grade 5 & 6, and Grade 10 Art teacher), was the main coordinator for this huge event. It took many hours of preparation and time acquiring the different speakers for the three main sessions throughout the day. The children from the different schools were arranged in their groups so that they could broaden their community by learning side by side with their peers from their bordering communities. While there were many different activities to attend, the children all had set schedules according to their specific age and grade groupings.

Sessions included such topics as presentations from Alberta Agriculture and Farm Safety with Nicole Harnett which included a Hayride for the children around the town, to Cup Stacking with Michelle Brassard and the “Rocks and Rings Curling Program”. The younger grades of K-6 also were privileged to here storyteller Lana Skauge recount a wonderful story of living on the Prairie. Skauge captivated her audience by having them participate with actions during the retelling of the story.

The Grades 7-12 students got to be a little more serious in their sessions by learning about Internet and Cyber Bullying with Sharon Blanchard. They all were able to participate in a session called Ashley’s Life, Ashley gave a heartfelt synopsis of his life where he discussed choices, crime, life in prison and living with a brain injury he incurred while there. Along the same lines, The Alberta 7th Step Society also presented the students with choices and consequences in life. While the main topics were a little heavier, they were still able to participate in a little fun with a Biathlon, Yoga and the growing popularity of Zumba.

Students and Staff concluded their day in the gym with Magician Everett Andrews where he transported his audience to a world of make-believe, magic and illusion where the unbelievable becomes believable. It was a great way to wrap up a very full but rewarding day.

While it took a lot of man hours to prepare for and many thankful donations and sponsors who participated from all three communities, it was a huge success seeing the smiles and tears at times from all who participated. Thanks goes out to the School Councils of Hussar, Rockyford and Standard for their dedication to the education in the rural schools of East Wheatland. The school is already planning for next year and the students can’t wait.