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Jabreel R.

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate

My name is Jabreel Rana, and I am a student at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate. Many people have asked me what I have managed to accomplish in my four years of high school. For many months, this question would float around my mind and I felt that I had not done as much as I should have now that high school was coming to an end, but that proved false in Grade 11.

I was part of many cool activities and smaller events at our school, but I wanted to expand my horizon and take on the bigger picture ideas. This would mean I would partake in the Leadership 20 class and choose a problem or issue that is hot in our community. Mental health was a hot topic and every one in three students was suffering from some form of mental illness so I wanted to make a difference to change all of that. Many fundraisers took place over many months and my classmates and I put in tons of hours of work but the end reward was definitely worth it. We raised over $17,000, which was all donated to Canadian Mental Health. Over the course of this initiative, it was evident that my skills and hard work proved to be helpful for many students at our school.

I am also an AP Biology 30 and AP Calculus student and look forward to moving onto the University of Saskatchewan to study pre-medicine. I would like to become a neurologist doctor in radiologic sub sections. I tend to like doing school work and excelling. I am also a multisport athlete who likes to play many sports. Soccer, handball and golf are my favourite sports, and I have been playing them in all four of my high school years.

That is my life and who I am and what made me who I am.

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Venezya T.

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate

My name is Venezya Thorsteinson, and I am a senior at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate and proud of it! Throughout my four years, I’ve grown tremendously as a person and have had many new experiences. I am thankful for the opportunities I have received from Sheldon because of its wonderful staff and students.

While attending Sheldon, my love of music had me immersed in band, choir, jazz band, vocal jazz and chamber choir. I’ve also been a part of the improv team and musical theatre; this year, I played the role of Tinman in Sheldon’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I’ve participated on the school’s SLC as an executive member and now treasurer. These experiences have taught me many leadership skills that I will take to future opportunities.

Outside of school, I am proud to be involved with Girl Guides of Canada and the Globe Theatre School. Last year, I was part of Globe Theatre’s production of Concord Floral, featuring the 2018-19 Globe Theatre Young Company. This year, I have been selected to be a part of the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) Honour Choir.

Academics are also very important to my life; I have been on honour roll every year and taken Advanced Placement English for three years. I’ve taken full course loads every year, allowing me to graduate with 42 credits.

After high school, I studying psychology at university, where I hope to stay involved in theatre, music and leadership roles. While pursuing my university education, I hope to travel and gain new experiences!

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Lynnisa A. P.

Thom Collegiate

Tansi, Anīn, Umba Waste, Hello. I am Lynnisa Acoose-Pasap, a Grade 12 student at Thom Collegiate. I am a proud Nēhiyaw, Anihšināpē, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Nakota), and Métis young woman. I am a member of White Bear First Nation and represent them as their Senior Princess. As a Jingle Dress dancer, I represent my nation at powwows and also at school events.

I value my leadership role within the school and community. Although I get nervous, I use my voice because I want to teach others about my language and culture. My speaking engagements incorporate the Nehiyaw and Anihšināpē languages at Orange Shirt Day assemblies, media interviews related to Indigenous education and Summer Games, Remembrance Day ceremonies, MMIW community events, and several Regina Public Schools youth forums.

I am an athlete for the track and field, cross-country and basketball teams at Thom Collegiate. Additionally, I have competed in the Tony Cote Winter Games, Indigenous Summer Games and the North America Indigenous Games.

I recognize the value of giving back to my community. I actively participate in cultural and spiritual ceremonies because I believe it is crucial to carry on traditions. Passing on the knowledge of speaking and learning the Nēhiyaw, Anihšināpē, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Nakota) languages is very important for Indigenous identity, which I will focus on in my post-secondary studies in political science.

My desire is to work within my own community, White Bear First Nation, as a Band Council member and, hopefully, Chief. Next, I envision myself as a Member of Parliament within the Canadian Government to share my cultural values to reform Canadian laws and social programs.

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Kalli B.

Thom Collegiate

My name is Kalli Brown, and I am proud to say I have been a Thom Trojan for the last four years. My studies and extracurricular activities have kept me very busy during that time, but they have helped me grow and learn immensely, and I wouldn’t change a second of it.

I sing in the concert choir, the chamber choir and the vocal jazz group, and the three amazing choir directors who have taught me during my time here have taught me so much about music and about confidence.

Volleyball gave me a team to play with and learn from, for which I could not be more grateful. Playing as a partner on the Unified basketball team for the past two years has given me so many new friends and experiences that have helped to shape me into who I am today.

The SRC, which I joined only this year, has been an incredible learning experience and is such a fun challenge to take part in with the friends around me. I was lucky enough to be elected vice-president of the SRC, and I am proud to represent Thom Collegiate and to be able to work on making it a better place every day.

And despite all odds, some of my best memories have come from AP calculus class, a huge challenge which has to prepare me for the future. The friends and memories I have made in the last four years are ones I will treasure forever, even if we are moving on to bigger and better things very soon. I know I will look back on this time fondly, and I am so excited to see what the future has to offer.

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Sarah L.

Thom Collegiate

Hard work, focus and determination have been instilled in me, especially since I come from a single- income family. To uphold these values, I am extremely driven and willing to do whatever needs to be done. My resiliency and perseverance results from my exposure to many hardships during my childhood.

At Thom Collegiate, I have achieved academic excellence while being actively involved in many extracurricular activities, including basketball, track and field, concert and jazz band, vocal jazz, concert and chamber choir, improvisation, theatre arts, newspaper club and SRC. These diverse activities allowed me to engage with a variety of people. This year, I was honoured to be chosen as the Student Council President, which enabled me to hone my leadership skills.

Outside of school, I am an active participant in roller derby. Currently, I play on five local teams and twice I have had the exciting opportunity to play on the national team. I am also involved in a local theatre company. I commit to two part-time jobs. Most notably, I devote many hours towards child abuse awareness and prevention. My extensive involvement requires time management and communication skills, which will serve me well in my future endeavours.

Ultimately, I strive to make the world a better place. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree so that I can make a difference in children’s lives. As an educator, I will continue my activism work by establishing a child abuse prevention program. Eventually, I will enter into the political realm and use my leadership skills to make far-reaching changes.

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Tyana R.

Thom Collegiate

Bonjour. My name is Tyana Ross, and I was born in Lethbridge, AB. I moved within three different provinces to seven cities and ten houses. Eventually, I settled in Regina and became a devoted French Immersion student at Thom Collegiate. I am passionate about the French language and culture, and I had the experience of a lifetime this summer when I worked as a camp counsellor in Chambly, Québec! I made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.

This experience convinced me that becoming a French Immersion teacher was the perfect career for me. I have been accepted into The Baccalauréat Program at the University of Regina. I look forward to teaching at a French Immersion elementary school and sharing the joys of being fluent in more than one language.

I am also very involved in extracurricular activities. When I was seven years old, I begged my mom to allow me to start playing the violin and two years later, my wish was granted! I take lessons weekly and play regularly at my church. Last year, I was a member of a string trio with one of my favourite teachers and two friends, who also play the violin and cello! This year, the choir asked me to be their violinist accompaniment at the winter concert.

I strive to continue having a positive impact on the people around me. I look forward to graduating, and I hope to continue accomplishing my dreams and spread even more kindness!

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Breanna H.

Winston Knoll Collegiate

My name is Breanna Holt, and I was born and raised in Regina. I grew up with a very close and loving family and have always been very determined to be a great role model for my little brother. The support I have had throughout my life has been incredible. I know that I would not be the person I am without the remarkable influence my family has had on me.

Growing up, I was always surrounded by animals. My mom used to be a dog groomer who worked from home, so I would spend all of my spare time with the dogs. She always referred to me as the dog whisperer. My family has also had many pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, pigs, hermit crabs, a leopard gecko, a tortoise and even a parrot. Loving and taking care of all of these animals has helped me become the caring person I am today. I am so grateful for all of the animals in my life.

I first fell in love with music at a very young age, even to the point where I learned how to read by playing rock band. I grew up taking both singing and guitar lessons. I later taught myself how to play the ukulele. There is always music playing in my life and the passion extends to the rest of my family as well. Music has always been my way of not only coping but also connecting with people.

As of October, I have been accepted into the Faculty of Science under Pre-Medicine at the University of Regina. I am beyond excited to someday be working in the medical field. There is nothing else I picture myself doing. The area I would love to be working in is pediatrics. To have a job where I can help people and be working with kids checks all of my boxes. I hope to be able to do good in this world.

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Tillie M.

Winston Knoll Collegiate

My name is Tillie Mayer, and I am a Grade 12 student at Winston Knoll Collegiate in Regina. I love to sing and am a member of every choral group in school (junior and senior choirs, chamber choir and vocal jazz). I have also been involved in my school’s musicals, the most recent being Sister Act, in which I played Mother Superior. I will enter the University of Regina in fall 2020 to study music.

Outside of school, I work with a professional vocal coach and am a member of the Saskatchewan Youth Choir, an auditioned choir that tours the province doing workshops with other school choirs.

High school life has afforded me opportunities to make good friends and discover my passions. These include social justice for the LGBTQ+ community and gaining an understanding of my Indigenous roots, but perhaps most important to me is to spread awareness for issues around youth mental health. This grew out of my own experiences with depression, which I worked through with the support of my family, teachers, healthcare providers and friends.

This year, I created The Christopher Project, a memorial project dedicated to my cousin, Christopher Youck, who died from suicide last year. This project aims to bring choirs from different schools in Regina together in the spirit of collaboration and friendship, performing “You Will Be Found” (Dear Evan Hansen) together to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health. The project will culminate in a mega choir concert during which we hope to perform with the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and invite the media to reach a wide audience.

I want my twelfth year legacy to be one of hope and inclusion for youth suffering from mental health issues.

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