MAPLE CREEK, SK – Great Plains College was proud to celebrate its Maple Creek Program Centre students at a year-end celebration on May 23. The annual event is planned by staff in celebration of the many personal and academic accomplishments of the Adult Basic Education students who’ve chosen to come back to school, despite the challenges they may be facing.
This year’s event celebrated 15 students who completed Adult 10, GED and Grade 12 programs, along with many others who took big steps in their academic journey. In addition to many academic successes, students also had a chance to focus on personal and career development and 18 students completed courses in Driver’s Training, WHMIS, First Aid, H2S Alive, Mental Health First Aid, Serve it Right, Naloxone administration, Ground Disturbance, Speechcraft and Microsoft Office basics.
“One of the most rewarding parts of our Adult Basic Education program is watching how much our students grow throughout the year, both as students and as people,” said Kim Wellings, program coordinator at Great Plains College. “I’m incredibly proud of the obstacles they’ve overcome throughout their journeys at the college, and we are thrilled to see so many achievements celebrated this year.”
A special address was also delivered to students from a fellow classmate and 2019 Grade 12 graduate, Terence Alexson. Terence first began as a Pre-12 student in 2015 and encountered many bumps along the path to his Grade 12 diploma, including the challenge of raising five children, battling addictions and leaving (and returning) to school twice.
“My whole life was filled with people who told me all the things I wasn’t, and all the bad that I would be,” Alexson started. “Eventually I realized I was living up to all the words I was told my whole life and I knew it was time to make a change…so I did. The negatives are always in the back of my mind and I made mistakes along the way, but my spirit pushed me not to fail. Take it step by step, keep your chin up and it can be done.”
His story was one of hope, perseverance and encouragement for everyone in the room, no matter what journey they are on.
“I’m proud to be from Great Plains College. The academic and emotional support from teachers and staff is like none other and I will never forget it,” he added. “I’m not done on my learning journey, I’ll never be done. I am proud.”
Alexson completed his Grade 12 this spring and has been accepted into the Architectural Technologies program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic beginning this fall.
“Terence has persevered through all the trials and tribulations of school and life, and it has been an honour getting to know him over the past four years as he worked his way through the Adult 10 program to the full completion of his Grade 12 diploma. We wish him the absolute best as he takes the next step in his journey and we look forward to seeing all the successes that are yet to come,” said Wellings.
The next Grade 12 program begins in September and the Pre-12 and Essential Skills programs will begin in October. For more information, visit greatplainscollege.ca/abe.
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For more information contact:
Amy Masse, marketing & communications coordinator
Phone: (306) 737-6107
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