Head Start program celebrates with past and present students

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The Border City Aboriginal Head Start (BCAHS) Graduation Reunion held May 9 at the Tropical Inn drew almost 300 enthusiastic family members, students, staff and community supporters.

The two hour program, geared to accommodate the attention span of the youthful alumni, celebrated the academic, social and cultural growth of the more than 100 First Nation, Inuit and Metis students who attended BCAHS from 1997 to 2001.

MC Tracey Klotz , Pastor Elwood Mclean and Lloydminster Mayor Ken Baker congratulated the young graduates, commenting on the strong sense of community, pride and a job well done.

"We began on the premise that the first five years of a child's life were the most important in shaping personality and came up with the idea that the first five years of Head Start were the most important as well," said BCAHS executive director Lisa Zackowski.

"The idea of a five year reunion for former Head Start students would give us a chance to celebrate growing cultural strength, awareness of the needs of our children and the success of our program," she added.

The BCAHS staff and parent advisory committee began work in October to create a reunion program that would address the six components of Head Start-Aboriginal language and culture, parental involvement, nutrition, education and school readiness, health promotion and social support.

"We went to all lengths to contact former students and their families by word of mouth, advertisements, school division notices and media ... Of the 110 children who had had gone through the program, 41 attended, over a third of the alumni," said Zackowski.

After the opening prayer and address, a substantial buffet supper was served, followed by entertainment provided by the junior Big Bear Drum and Big Bear Hoop Dance Troupe with Sandra Opikikew.

Real pride in the accomplishments of the young hoop dancers and drummers was apparent, as many were past graduates of the Head Start program.

Metis dancer Brent Potskin came down from Edmonton with his children to perform a short program of fiddle music, jigging, and an old time dance done with the traditional red sashes crossed on the floor.

Delightful table dressings made by staff that included edible chocolate tipi's, log cabins and sugar glazed igloos (inspired by crafts made by the students) set every one's sweet tooth on edge.

The centrepieces were part of a substantial giveaway provided by the sponsor agency Border City Metis Society Inc. Local #76 and several local businesses.

The children popped balloons to find winning tickets for the door prices and giveaways. They also colored pictures and wrote a small story called My special memories of Head Start, which would become a permanent part of the school's archives.

The parents were given a questionnaire to discuss their personal experiences during their children's Head Start years-how were they involved, what did they liked about the program and what would they change if they could.

"The turnout was good, people enjoyed themselves and the kids had a blast," said Zackowski.

"I felt very proud and happy with the staff, the reunion committee and the parents advisory group. It was a real community event from day one."