Hard work will pay dividends

Page 10

It was an evening about people, successful people, and in particular, about the Aboriginal Soaring Eagles, 17 Community Social Work Program students who graduated from their two-year course through Metis Child and Family Services in Edmonton.

The Oct. 17 graduation ceremony at Alberta Vocational College proved a moving occasion for graduates, some of whom thought they would never get through the program at all. Graduates included Madeline Mottus of Rocky Mountain House who admitted, "there were times when I cried and said 'this is it.' I couldn't take it. I wanted to run away."

But she persevered, as did the others, and celebrated completing the program, an awesome task for many who overcame personal situations that so often works against achievement of any kind.

Graduate George Calliou has already landed a position with Metis Child and Family Services, but said he had difficulty staying with the program. It took former instructor Donna Leask to show him the way and prove, "I have what it takes to stick around and be a social worker," he explained.

Dr. Wayne Shillington, the president of AVC, assured the graduates that there were excellent employment opportunities out there, as did program co-ordinator Joan Tornberg. She said that most of the students that were not going on to further their education were finding employment, something for which the program has become known.

This year's graduation was followed by a dinner and dance at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre where the grads mingled with friends and family and shared some quality time with their colleagues.