Students get their act together

Wahkotowin Society honours native students

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

On June 12, Lawrence received public recognition for his achievements. He was first on a list of 24 promising native students from numerous Edmonton Catholic Schools who received awards for improving their performances in school and in the community over the last year.

Lawrence is currently completing high school at Fresh Start West, a program for students between the ages of 16 and 19 who have difficulty achieving in a traditional school setting.

Over 100 people, including parents, teachers and counsellors attended the awards ceremony and luncheon at the University of Alberta's Faculty Club. Native police officers, professors and other professionals attended the event to show the award nominees that success is possible.

The award ceremony has been held for the last 15 years and is put on by a group of dedicated elders and volunteers of the Wahkotowin Society. The purpose of the awards, formally known as Most Improved Aboriginal Student Awards, is to recognize the students' overall improvement and personal growth, not just academic achievement, noted society spokesperson Wanda Moody.

"Most of these students have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives and we have to let them know we appreciate their efforts," she said. "We want them to feel good about themselves. We want them to know they are important."

Students were showered with words of praise from teachers, advisors and principals during the two-hour luncheon.

Lawrence's advisor Lorraine Pocher described the promising student as a highly motivated young man. "At our site Kyle is a positive individual who is ready to help in whatever way he can," she said. "The staff and students appreciate Kyle's helpfulness, cheery disposition and sociability." They also appreciate his break dancing skills, which he often displays in the school hallways.

"I decided that I didn't need any drugs or alcohol to have fun." - Kyle Lawrence

Lawrence started at Fresh Start in September 2001, not long after he had been kicked out of Jasper Place School. He arrived without any credits but completed 22 credits in just a few weeks at Fresh Start. Then he dropped out and came back in September 2002. So far this school year Lawrence has completed 35 credits and is expected to complete another 10 by the end of June.

"At this rate he will have all his (high school) diploma requirements by the end of next year," said Pocher. "Obviously motivation is not a problem."

In the future, Lawrence hopes to pursue a career as a firefighter. "With his physical strength, positive attitude, intelligence and perseverance he will definitely achieve that goal," Pocher said.

"I'm really happy to be recognized this way," Lawrence told the WCR after the award. "I didn't think I would win anything. I'm really honoured."

Lawrence, who manages to hold a part time job while attending school, credited the good atmosphere at Fresh Start and the support and encouragement from his teachers for his success. The program is known for giving struggling teens a second chance and for trying to meet the students' needs that are not being met at home.

Pocher also credited Lawrence's mother Julie, who was present at the award ceremony, for guiding the teen at home. "I'm sure such a fine young man does not happen without guidance and a helping hand at home," she said. Julie has four other children she is raising on her own. Kyle, the oldest, has at times had to assume adult responsibilities to help his family, which has affected his performance at school.

Two years ago the teen was struggling to complete Grade 10 student at Jasper Place School. Six months into the school year he realized he wasn't going to make it. He and his friends hardly attended classes. Sometimes they went to school but would stay in the hallways socializing or making trouble.

Other times they would pretend to go to school but would go somewhere else to smoke marijuana or drink alcohol or both. "I used to drink a lot," he recalled. "All my friends were doing it; basically I did it to fit in."

Jasper Place School tried to help the teen but he didn't attend enough classes to complete any credits. When Lawrence broke the terms of his probation - namely attending regularly and completing assignments - he was kicked out. This led to some hard thinking on the teen's part.

"I decided that I didn't need any drugs or alcohol to have fun," he told the WCR. "Now I just drink once in a while, on social occasions."

Lawrence is now determined to complete his high school and says he will try his best to fulfill his dream of becoming a firefighter. And Julie, his mother, is betting that he will achieve his goal. "He's always been a go-getter; I'm sure he will succeed," she said. "I'm very proud of him."

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