Loving family and hard work combine for success in college

Page 14

A person with determination, perseverance and faith can achieve anything in life. That was proved positively at the 2004 Fort Chipewyan Keyano College graduation ceremony on April 30.

Eddie Courtoreille graduated Keyano College with an almost perfect attendance record over four years, achieving his goal of earning his diploma in the college preparation program.

He received the Exxon-Mobil Scholarship-$1,000 in financial support to be used toward another program-and in addition to his studies, Courtoreille held the position of student council president for the past two years.

The Student Leadership Award, chosen by the students at the college, was also awarded to Courtoreille making it the third straight year he has won.

The road to his diploma was inspired by his family, said Courtoreille, who dropped out of school at the age of 15 years, a decision he came to regret as time went by.

"One of the things that really made me think was when my daughter (Caleda) started bringing homework from school and asked me for help. Being out of school for about 30 years, I found the words were getting difficult to understand. That is when I decided that in a few years someone would have to be tutoring my kids and the decision was made for me to come back to school."

When he was young, Courtoreille said his life choices were made based on the fun he could have, and for a few years, Courtoreille said he abused alcohol.

"I thought I was having fun at the time because I had so many friends when I was abusing alcohol. Anywhere I went, people would offer it to me and at the time I just didn't have the will-power to say no.

"I didn't know or couldn't even see myself being anymore successful than what I was doing at that time, and that was hanging out with my buddies and partying it up," he said.

Courtoreille said belief in himself and hard work is what helped him achieve his dream.

"As I keep going on my journey, along the way I might make mistakes but I know one thing for sure, I want to be the best that I can be for my wife and my children.

Dan Creurer, chair of Keyano College, said "Eddie Courtoreille stands out for being the leader of the student body for the last two years and for his perfect attendance record this year and in the seven of the eight semesters that he went to Keyano College."

"He only missed three days due to the loss of a loved one, his mother," said Creurer. "Other than that, Eddie has not missed a single day for any other reason."

"You are never too old to go back to school," said Courtoreille. "I strongly believe that I can attain any goal I've set for myself now. Challenges that I have overcome along the way have only made me stronger and gave me more confidence to pursue my journeyman ticket as a carpenter," said Courtoreille.