Success for Life » College

Nikki Steep – Experiences Guide Future

News Desk — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:12:29 +0000

Nikki has returned for a 5th year to CHSS to take a few more courses to assist her in making a decision about the program she would like to pursue at college. Nikki lives in Seaforth with her parents and younger brother, Sam.
Her older sister Kim is studying electrical engineering at Georgian college.
Nikki has done well academically throughout high school. She has been active in many extracurricular activities and has participated on the curling, swimming and tennis teams. She is a part of the Jazz and Concert Bands, and fulfills the role of Dance Coordinator on the Student Council. Her fondest memories of high school were of Band trips and Soundathons.
Nikki has always enjoyed working with children. Her experiences involving children include teaching figure skating, helping with Beavers, teaching Sunday School and assisting in the Nursery. After being a part of Ms Carter’s recreation leadership program and Mrs. Melady’s parenting class, Nikki made the decision to attend a post secondary institution and study early childhood education or recreation and leisure studies. Eventually, she would like to work in the Early Years program, be an educational assistant or a Recreational Therapist.

Maris Nicklas – Get Involved

News Desk — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:44:14 +0000

When it came to picking a high school, Maris always knew Stratford Northwestern was for her! Maris starts her day with a lengthy bus ride but she feels the opportunities at NWSS have made it all worthwhile! While a student here Maris felt it was very important to get involved! As a member of the wrestling team since grade 9, she had an opportunity to meet many new people and travel to varies cities to compete. It was on the wrestling mat that Maris’ competitive edge began to win out and she learned something about herself. Maris has figured out with a little drive and determination she can accomplish anything! That is why Maris has set her sights on a career in Radio Broadcasting at college.
The variety of Communications classes offered at Northwestern, helped Maris to set her future goals. Through the Media Studies stream, Maris has learned that in a broadcast booth is where she wants to be! Although she knows the future is bright, Maris also values all that she learned at NWSS. Her fondest memory from high school was starting grade nine. Maris recalls that even though she was a bit nervous, she loved meeting new people and having a chance to start fresh! Maris also credits her teachers and family for helping her figure out her path in life! She advises anyone who is starting high school to listen to their teachers, friends and family members because “they know you best!”

Jake Stern – All Things Are Possible

News Desk — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:10:24 +0000

Jake was born in Newmarket, Ontario and moved to Stratford when he was in grade 10. Jake became involved with numerous extra-curricular activities while at Central including Symphonic Band, Central Singers, Vocal Chords, Theatre Central, Ramcast and dodgeball. He was also involved in community activities such as singing lessons, dance lessons and Youth Group.
Jake feels that Central helped impact his life direction because at first he wasn’t sure if he wanted to pursue theatre/acting as a career. Involvement with numerous school plays and the incredible opportunity to act with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival gave him tremendous experience to explore this life plan. He has decided that this is what he wants to do with his life.
Jake’s plans are to attend Sheridan College to take an Applied Degree in “Musical Theatre Performance”. This is a unique program and it is not offered at an Ontario University or any other Ontario College.
After graduation he has aspirations to become a touring artist (as he writes music), to perform in Stratford again and to ultimately end up performing in a Broadway production. Jake’s dream acting roles are to play “Joseph” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and the “Phantom” in Phantom of the Opera.
Jake says that “I have had some of the best moments of my life being a part of this school” and that his most memorable memory is the Sears Drama Festival 2010 production Cross Your Heart. Jake credits Central teachers, Paula Ortelli and Stephanie Niescier because they “believed in me, were always supportive and always involved me in everything—they were the best!!”
Jake also credits his very supportive family for helping him to reach his goals and with helping him to enjoy his life. Jake’s philosophy of life is “With God, all things are possible!”

Krista McNaughton Has The Recipe For Success

News Desk — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:29:57 +0000

High school has been a positive experience for Krista. She has enjoyed the opportunity to make life-long friends, learn about life and how to become completely independent. Krista’s best memories include working hard to be an honour student and participating in trips to further explore her interests. Her favourite classes include cosmetology and fashion design – she loves being creative and bringing out the best in others. Ms. Cummings stands out as a favourite teacher because she has a happy spirit and genuinely cares about her students and their successes. Krista has been the driving force behind the annual Angel Tree campaign. She loves helping people in the community where she lives.

Krista credits her sister Trish as an important influence in her life in helping her achieve her goals and encouraging her to be her best. Krista stresses independence, responsibility and happiness as essential ingredients in a successful life. She intends to become a dental hygienist.

Cassie Berlett – High School Is Fun

News Desk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:19:47 +0000

Cassie Berlett plans to attend College to pursue a career in accounting. Cassie completed her co-op placement in the dental field and enjoyed the work but feels the job market is not conducive to pursuing a career in this area.
According to Cassie the best things about high school are spending time with friends and having lots of course choices so you can take classes that interest you in addition to those that you have to take to follow your career path.
Cassie has been involved in extra-curricular activities at LDSS, playing on the hockey team every year. She feels that being involved in activities outside the classroom is a great way to meet students that you normally would not spend time with.
Her advice to LDSS Students: “Don’t Stress! High School is fun”

Melissa Eyles Is Focused On The Future

News Desk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:02:52 +0000

Melissa is a 5th year GDCI student. She is an active member of OSAID, Global Village, Nutrition Club and Peer Mentors. She also works at Boston Pizza throughout the school year and is a camp counsellor at Camp Ki-Wa-Y in the summer.
Next year she hopes to pursue a Child and Youth Worker diploma at Algonquin College or Niagara College. Her experiences at summer camp and participation in many school clubs helped her decide to pursue this field .
After school she hopes to assist less fortunate children in other countries. She would love to work for organizations such as Free the Children.

Graham Finlay – A Sound Plan For The Future

News Desk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:52:50 +0000

Graham is someone with a wide range of interests. In Lucknow, where he has always lived, he has been involved in various levels of hockey, teaches guitar, and has acted as part of H.A.W.K. Theatre. He works on the family farm, and spends his time on anything related to sound – recording, playing, whatever. At school, he was in the band for a year, and since then, has spent countless hours working at the sound board and being part of the radio club. He is a familiar face, taking care of the sound at school assemblies.
Having worked at these assemblies, and being influenced by communications and computer teachers like Mr. Thynne and Mr. Johnston, Graham knows that he wants to study sound technician/engineering at college. His dream job would be to be a sound technician for big live performances like stadium rock concerts.
As well as confirming his career choice, Graham’s time at school has been enjoyable. He especially liked getting to know his friends and teachers. He believes that a good life is all about living life fully and one day at a time. He would tell future Mustangs to pay attention, do your homework, be yourself, and most importantly, get involved in extracurriculars you enjoy. It seems likely that Graham’s positive attitude and sense of humour will allow him to achieve all of his goals.

Jenn Spence Utilizes Dual Credit Program

News Desk — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:30:57 +0000

Enrolling in the dual credit program at Lambton College has completely changed my mind about the direction I plan to take after high school. When I started my grade twelve year, I thought that I wanted to come back for a 5th year at DCVI. Taking the Personal Wellness course through Lambton has shown me that I want to study at college next year. This has given me a much more positive outlook on school in general. It has been a difficult few years at high school trying to figure out what I want to do with my life but I have been supported by great people and teachers who have helped me along the way. These people have given me the confidence that I am making the right choice about next year. I plan to study massage therapy and become a registered massage therapist.
Mr. Seebach is a teacher who has always been there to help with any questions that I have had in Biology or Chemistry. He takes the time to go through things with me and also was a great soccer coach. Throughout my highschool years, I have enjoyed being involved in junior and senior girl’s soccer, as well as playing hockey for St. Marys and lifeguarding for the Town.
Having the support of family, friends and teachers has motivated me to change my mind about doing a 5th year — I am excited for the rest of my life to begin.

Dan Steinman – Music is life

News Desk — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:03:50 +0000

Dan is a CHSS student who lives in Kippen with his parents and 3 siblings. Dan is the oldest of four children and has a brother age 15 , another brother age 11 and a sister age 8 . Dan attended Huron Centennial Public School in Brucefield.

Dan has always done well academically in school. He has been an honour student throughout high school and an Ontario Scholar in grade 12. Having a wide variety of interests, he has been involved in many extracurricular activities. Athletically, he has played on school volleyball and soccer teams. He has been a member of the Reach for the Top team and with his musical talent has performed at many coffee houses and school assemblies.

From a very early age, Dan’s passion in life has always been music. Beginning in elementary school, Dan learned to play the guitar and after a short period of time organized a band made up of a number of interested classmates. They would get together outside of school to practice and play in competitions such as the Youth Talent Search.

At home, Dan and his younger brother , Brad became an amazing duo with Dan playing guitar and Brad on vocals. Dan took guitar lessons, and taught himself to play the piano, harmonica and bass. Dan and Brad performed throughout Huron County, playing in Seaforth , Goderich and Bayfield. . They participated in benefit concerts to raise money for autism and even played their own original music in church.

After performing and writing music, Dan developed an interest in recording. His experiences in playing, writing and recording sparked his interest in the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. Dan is excited to apply for this courses as he is interested in studying music production, digital recording and studio operation and management. Dan hopes to be able to record music for famous musicians as well as becoming a famous guitar player himself.

Dan attributes his success in music to his very supportive parents who were always there for him watching him perform. He is especially thankful to them for purchasing necessary equipment when he was not able to afford it.

Cassie Rivett – Do what you love

News Desk — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:57:42 +0000

Cassie plans to attend Fleming College next year in the Travel and Tourism program. She would like to work on a cruise ship or in a resort. Eventually Cassie would like to own her own business.
Cassie is currently the Ambassador of Dungannon. Throughout highschool she has been involved with Peer Mentors, OSAID, and Students’ Council. She has chosen the Travel and Tourism program because she loves travelling and new experiences. Her attitude is “you may as well do what you love.”