The UCHS Warriors hosted the Luseland Lords in senior high school basketball February 24, at Unity SK. Here are some scenes from the boys’ game. Additional photos in the March 2nd Unity Wilkie Press-Herald weekly newspaper.
Providing food for thought this Christmas season, UCHS drama students will present Modern Day Match Girl, along with a “silly” sci-fi spoof, Space Women From The Planet Limbo, this evening at the Unity high school senior gym at 7 pm. The first public performances took place yesterday evening.
Almost as soon as school starts after the summer holidays, students at Unity Composite High School audition for acting parts and volunteer to help with stage setup, lights, costume and makeup for the December drama productions.
Weekly — and, as it gets closer to the performance dates, even more frequent — rehearsals means hours and hours of work are put in by the students, all in hopes of ultimately delighting their future audience of friends, family and community members.
This year’s bill is once again a doubleheader with “a silly spoof” written by the irrepressible Greg Bick and a more thoughtful piece presented by Crystal Gilbert and Kyle Wood
The Modern Match Girl, written and directed by Gilbert and Wood, is a modern adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Match Girl. Gilbert said the adaptation “features a play within a play as well as shadow puppets illustrating the young girl’s rich imagination. While the play touches on the Christmas spirit and the act of giving hope to our neighbours, it also reminds us to be thankful for what we have and to cherish family.”
The 14 member cast is composed of students from Grade 7 up, and includes Grade 12 student Danielle Irons acting in her last year at UCHS.
Roxane Mamer, along with Gilbert, has been helping the crew create the sets and props for the play. The directors are also pleased this year to welcome Mrs. Stang to the team as the music specialist.
Bick’s Space Women From The Planet Limbo will be sure to generate some chuckles. Bick said, “I wanted it to look hokey like the 1950s sci-fi … (like) aluminium foil on the robot. And it’s a spoof so it’s going to be silly.” If you are familiar with the Stars Wars movies and the Star Trek series, listen closely for a few inside jokes mixed into the plot.
Outlandish costumes, wild makeup and coloured lighting will give theatregoers a visual feast as well. Even the crew will be dressed differently than usual, in keeping with the science fiction theme.
Both plays will be performed at UCHS Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, with show time at 7 p.m. each night.
Winners of local scholarships and bursaries at Unity Composite High School, Unity, SK, June 27. Congratulations to all 2014 grads!
Adam Wallace was the winner of the Grade 12 Proficiency Award, honour cord and the Governor General Academic Medal. The medal was presented by Jim Sego of the Unity Lions Club.
The first scholarship of the day, sponsored by Living Sky School Division and presented by school board member Ronna Pethick, went to Courtney Boser. Courtney also won the Unity Lions Club bursary.
Allison Kuhn won four bursaries – Unity Wildlife Federation, Order of the Royal Purple, Steven Wesolowski, Jimmy and Ethel Anderson – and a scholarship from the Unity Ag Society. She was also given the Living Sky School Division Technology and Innovation Award, which was presented by Jim Shevchuk, superintendent of curriculum.
Brittany Lacoursiere won the St. Peters CWL bursary and a Knights of Columbus bursary, the latter being presented by Dan Wilgenbusch.
Retiring UCHS principal Maureen Robertson presented Devan Bertoia with the Jeffrey Glen Bounting bursary. Devan also received a Unity Credit Union scholarship and a Knights of Columbus bursary.
Zoher Rafid-Hamed won a Unity Credit Union scholarship, one of two UCHS Leadership and Dedication Awards, the Access Communications scholarship, the Jenai Danielle Bounting Bursary and one of two Isabelle Anderson physical science bursaries. Principal Robertson made the presentation of the Jenai Danielle Bounting Bursary.
Jessica Weber won the second UCHS Leadership and Dedication Award, presented to her by former vice-principal Ruth Cey. Mrs. Cey will be the new principal at UCHS when school resumes in the fall. Jessica also won the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary bursary and a Knights of Columbus bursary.
Brittany Hauta was awarded a Unity Health Care Auxiliary scholarship, the Delta Co-op scholarship and a Knights of Columbus bursary, the latter being presented by Dan Wilgenbusch. Wilgenbusch, former principal of St. Peters School, also retired at the end of June.
Kylie Walz was awarded the other Unity Health Care Auxliary scholarship, as well as the Tommy Rutherford Masonic bursary, which was presented by Vern Burns.
The David Ray Surine Bursary and the Downtown Medical Clinic scholarship were both awarded to Shevaun Feser. Dr. Lyle Williams and Shevie shared a laugh on stage during the presentation of the medical clinic scholarship.
The Construction Labour Association of Saskatchewan scholarship for someone entering the trades was awarded to Andrew Risling, with the presentation being made by UCHS teacher James Herrick.
Toni-Lynn Burnell won the Ed Burnell and family bursary, which was presented to her by her aunt, Stacey Davies.
Carolyn Loadman presented the CUPE 4747 scholarship to Erin Bick.
Unity Royal Canadian Legion member Si Campbell congratulated Jennifer Field as he presented her with the Legion scholarship.
The Tommy Rutherford Masonic scholarship was awarded to Devin Boser by Vern Burns.
One of two Isabelle Anderson physical science bursaries went to Mackenzie Chorney. Mackenzie also won the Candace Heitt Sports Bursary, presented by Tristan Humble-Halter.
One of two Dr. Robert Knowles scholarships was awarded to Mickayla Brandle. Butch Boskill was the presenter and was especially pleased to be able to present the scholarship to a hunting buddy of his.
Masonic Lodge member Don Wallace was likewise please to be able to present his grandson Adam Wallace with the last Reg Cantelon scholarship. Adam also won the Lions Club scholarship, a Jimmy and Ethel Anderson bursary and one of two Dr. Robert Knowles scholarships.
With school now out for the summer, look for news on the final days of school at all three Unity, SK schools in the upcoming Unity Wilkie Press-Herald, such as:
Also in next week’s paper, a rain report, new traffic safety laws effective June 27 and an explanation of the new anti-spam law effective July 1.
Unity Composite High School graduating class of 2014 and MC teacher Kyle Wood
As winner of the Grade 12 Proficiency Award and Honour Cord, 2014 Unity Composite High School graduand Adam Wallace was this year’s valedictorian at the cap and gown graduation ceremonies held June 27. The UCHS graduating class of 2014, teachers, family and friends gathered in the senior gym at Unity SK for the ceremonies.
Adam’s speech:
Good morning family, friends, teachers, honoured guests, and fellow graduates. My name is Adam Wallace, and it is an honour to be named the valedictorian of this class. These 38 people on stage are some of the most outstanding I know.
On behalf of the grad class, I would like to thank the staff of all of the schools in Unity: St. Peters, Unity Public School, and especially Unity Composite High School. Some people may think that teaching is an easy job because you only work from 9:00 to 3:30 and get summers off. We appreciate the many hours they spend outside the classroom coaching, being involved with school committees, and providing extra help before and after school hours.
We would also like to congratulate our principal, Mrs. Robertson, on her retirement. We appreciate that you have been waiting for the best graduating class to retire with.
Next, we would like to thank our parents and families. You have been helping and guiding us since the day we were born. The lessons you taught us were the first things we ever learned and set the foundation of who we are today. Thank you for your continued love, encouragement, and support as we make our own path in the world.
We also want to thank our community. Many people outside of our school have played a part in our growth. This includes coaches, instructors, and anyone else who takes time from their day to make Unity a better place. This is one of the best towns in the world to live in, and it’s because of the effort put in by people like you.
The last group I want to thank are my fellow graduates. You guys are the greatest people I know. To be honest, there are some days where I felt that I learned more from my classmates than from a textbook. As we end our high school years and begin the next stage of our lives, I wish you all the best of luck in your future plans, whatever they may be.
In closing, I would like to share a quote from Alexander Graham Bell. “When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” I hope that many doors open for all of us. Thank you.
As he returns to his seat on the bleachers after giving his address, valedictorian Adam Wallace receives a standing ovation from his fellow 2014 UCHS graduates at Unity SK, June 27.
Yes, June already!
As the 2014 graduating class at Unity Composite High School prepares for final exams and graduation, principal Maureen Robertson is also preparing for a new chapter in her life. After starting her career in education over 40 years ago, “Mrs. R” will be retiring at the end of this school year. Read about her career, plans for the future and the retirement event held for her at UCHS May 23 in the June 2 issue of the Unity Wilkie Press-Herald.
Also in the next Press-Herald:
Below, Mrs. R , along with husband Don, stands to acknowledge the standing ovation given in recognition of her many contributions to education and the students of UCHS.
Now that the weather has warmed up, is it safe to look back at winter yet? Well next week’s Unity Wilkie Press-Herald does just that, but it also gives us an idea of what we could expect through the rest of March and what authorities are saying about the expected spring runoff. Along with a weather story, Monday’s paper features:
As always, even the ads provide interesting reading covering such things as land for sale, notices of upcoming annual general meetings, information about investment seminars, thank you ads and job opportunities.
After guest speaker Blake Fly of Toronto, Ont., concluded his presentation to assembled students from Unity Composite High, McLurg High, Luseland and Macklin schools, Feb. 4, a panel discussion on bullying, harassment and the use of social media in the workplace took place.
(For more information on Fly’s presentation, see the February 10th issue of the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald or http://unitystories.com/judger-or-nudger/)
Panel members were local lawyer Ken Neil; human resources personnel for both the Unity Credit Union, Alan Zimmer, and Living Sky School Division, Brenda Vickers; Lana Mabbett from Heartland Health; local business owner Mike Wismer; RCMP Cst. Eric Macdonald; and Living Sky’s superintendent of schools, curriculum and instruction, Brian Quinn.
UCHS student Zoher Rafid-Hamed posed questions to different panel members in turn. Responses and comments made by panel members included the following.
Quinn talked about a specific incident in a Living Sky school where an inappropriate comment was made to a student and other students immediately stepped in to tell the offending student it was inappropriate. “No tool is as powerful as peers stepping in,” he said, telling the students that, more and more, “who” you are is more important than the talents or skills you have.
Zimmer reinforced that statement when he explained that, even before someone is hired at the credit union, they try to weed out people who will not fit in. For example, a potential new employee will be asked specific questions about how he or she deals with conflict.
Vickers echoed Zimmer’s comments about the hiring process. She added that, at the school division, reference checking is done not only to confirm skills and abilities but also to ask questions about relationships and how a person solves problems.
In any organization, Zimmer said, “you have a responsibility to everyone in that organization.”
He was referring to workplace bullying and harassment at the time, but that responsibility holds true to the use of social media as well – no matter whether an employee is at work or at home.
Vickers said, even when at home, if you are talking about someone from work online, the employer can take action. Mabbett added, even when you are off duty, you still represent the place you work.
Mabbett cautioned students to establish a positive digital footprint or they may even find themselves not being able to be licensed in the field for which they studied. She gave the example of seeing a photo of a surgeon drunk at a Saturday night party – would she want that doctor operating on her Monday morning?
A video of the panel’s entire presentation is available online at http://streaming.lskysd.ca/, under the heading Social Media and Respectful Relationships.
Blake Fly came from Toronto, Ontario, to Unity, Saskatchewan, to motivate, inspire, challenge and encourage.
Fly, author, speaker and music maker, spoke to Grade 7 to 10 students from Unity Composite High, McLurg High, Luseland and Macklin schools, at Unity Comp, Feb. 4. He had students clapping, hissing to imitate a snare drum, making suggestions, cheering and listening intently during his presentation on how to make going to high school a better experience.
Fly used his own high school experiences to illustrate his lessons.
One lesson was to focus on quality of friends, not quantity. Having at least one really good friend is especially important today. “There is no separation between life at school and life outside of school because your online life trumps both.”
Fly talked about surrounding yourself with nudgers as much as possible. Nudgers are people who encourage you to move towards your dreams and goals; judgers stomp on your dreams. Hanging out with judgers “makes for stress and drama and stuff you don’t need.”
Surrounding yourself with nudgers, on the other hand, makes you feel good and can help you achieve your goals. Peer pressure can be amazing “as long as you are pressuring amazing things,” Fly said.
He encouraged the students to become nudgers. “If you want to make your life in school about getting attention and hurting people in the process, okay, I can’t stop you. But … you can still get attention but make people feel amazing in the process. And with technology, when you add that into the mix, that is like just this massive machine to make people feel special if you choose to use it that way.”
Fly asked the students if there was something they loved to do outside of school that could contribute to school. Change and improvement doesn’t have to be all at once.
“When you want to start something, it’s not so much about like changing the world and getting everybody on board. Rather it’s about getting somebody’s attention in some small way, even if it’s totally random, and then doing something with those people – moving them towards something that might improve their own school experience, their own social life, their own outlook on this thing called life.”
When you start to share your passions, “people start to pay attention and then they connect you to opportunities so you can do more of it and maybe actually get some credit for it.”
Fly gave students a specific example of how to be a nudger, how to get attention for making people feel good rather than bad – by converting prank phone calls into thank phone calls.
“Pranks are awesome, some people think, but they often come back to haunt you and they hurt someone in the process,” he said. Making a “thank” phone call, on the other hand, still lets the caller be excited about surprising someone, but by making someone else feel good instead of bad.
After the students voted on who he should call, Fly demonstrated a thank phone call, calling his girlfriend Amanda on speaker phone. The call went to voicemail and he left a message thanking her for being his girlfriend and letting her know how much he appreciated and loved her.
“You can get attention by making people feel amazing, not just by putting people down,” he concluded. Even something as simple as a second of eye contact in the hallways, instead of always looking at your feet or your phone, can help someone feel validated and recognized – “so they know you know they exist.”
The video of Blake Fly’s presentation is online at http://streaming.lskysd.ca/ (copy and paste link into your browser bar).
The Luseland School’s junior girls’ basketball team, the Lords, came to Unity January 24 and 25 to compete in the UCHS girls’ home tournament. Girls from Major also play on the Lords team, and there are a couple of photos of them, along with Unity players, in the February 3 issue of the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald.
Following are some additional photos from action during the games between the Luseland girls and both the Unity A and the Unity B teams.
Unity Composite High School Warriors were undefeated in the tournament.