Every so often an ‘organic’ theme will emerge when putting together a weekly edition of the Napanee Beaver.
That is to say, through no conscious effort by that of the editor, many of the stories have a common trait. This week that theme is that of Napanee’s future leaders.
From the Napanee Sea Cadets Annual Review, to NDSS’ athletic banquet to a trio of students who shone on the national stage in Canada’s Skills Competition, there’s no shortage of bright futures highlighted in this week’s edition.
In the case of the Sea Cadets, their ability to overcome a major setback early in their year was nothing short of impressive. The loss of the York Street arena was felt in many ways by many different groups. The Cadets were among those hardest hit by the fire as they were still very much using the facility both for training and as a place to store equipment and artifacts.
Fortunately the unit was able to find a new home rather quickly in the Selby Hall. Though it was better than nothing, it was far from ideal. For those that stuck with the program and made the most of it, this year’s review had to be extra significant. The fact they saw the year through is a testament to their dedication to the program.
The same can be said for three students: Liam Alford, Alisha Haaksman and Jeremy Gardiner. Those three, one a graduate, the others soon-to-be grad of Napanee District Secondary School, have honed their automotive repair skills to the point that they are now among the best in the country for their age. Perhaps now more than ever, possessing a skilled trade means a world of employment opportunities.
As Grade 12 students across the region get set to celebrate graduation over the coming days, they’ll mark a unique accomplishment. This crop of students would have seen their whole Grade 9 experience turned upside down in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Adjusting to high school life is tough enough. Having that first year interrupted by a pandemic is a challenge unlike any other. Rough as those years may have been, these grads found a way to get through and will be all the more prepared for the real world because of it.
-On an unrelated note, I’d like to take this time to express best wishes to L&A County Libraries manager Catherine Coles, who will be moving onto a new role at the end of the month.
A longtime contributor to the Beaver, Coles has authored the popular Coles’ Notes column for over a decade, informing readers on interesting titles that were available at their hometown library. Her contributions will be missed.
-Adam Prudhomme