Kade McConnell of Davidson is pictured riding Cheyanne, an 18-year-old Paint mare.
By Joel van der Veen
BIGGAR — A family tradition carried on to the next generation last weekend as Kade McConnell took part in his first rodeo.
The 12-year-old Davidson boy was among the contestants in the Biggar Rodeo, held July 1 and 2 and organized by the Kakeyow Cowboys Rodeo Association.
His mother Karen said Kade has been riding horseback for several years, joining his great-grandfather on the fair circuit and helping to drive and show his draft horses.
This past weekend was his first competitive event, as he took part in the junior team roping events on both Friday and Saturday.
“He was extremely excited,” said Karen, adding that several relatives, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, were also there for the occasion.
Kade was partnered with Virgil Kiefer, who was previously Karen’s rodeo partner and is now employed as a cowhand near Birch Hills.
He was riding Cheyanne, an 18-year-old Paint mare and a veteran of the rodeo circuit.
For the full story, please see the July 11 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
Aurora ter Heide is pictured performing at the Central Saskatchewan Music Festival finale concert in Davidson in March.
By Joel van der Veen
CRAIK — Feelings play a key role in the creative process for young songwriter Aurora ter Heide.
The 15-year-old pianist from Craik said composing a tune comes much more naturally to her at times of strong emotions, whether she’s happy or unhappy.
“A lot of it is driven by how I’m feeling at the time,” she said Wednesday. “I just sit down and play until something comes.”
Learning that she had won an award from the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA) also generated a strong response.
“My first instinct was to break down,” said ter Heide. “My second one was to jump around and scream.”
A piece written by ter Heide, entitled “The Ferret and the Fox,” was the top entry in the SRMTA Student Composer Competition in the 15-and-under age group, under Class 1. She also won the Adjudicator’s Choice award in the provincial competition.
As a first-place winner, her song will be entered into the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations (CFMTA) Student Composer Competition.
Aurora is the oldest of two children of Wade and Lia ter Heide. She is entering Grade 11 at Craik School this fall.
She began taking piano lessons at the age of seven. Previously taught by Brenda Bowman, she now studies with Sandra Read of Saskatoon.
Aurora said she has been putting together her own songs more or less since she started playing, but began entering them in competitions about four years ago.
For the full story, please see the July 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
Walker Boyd flips his cap into the air at the end of Craik’s grad ceremony. Also pictured are Hanna Sanden and Quinn Nielson.
By Joel van der Veen
CRAIK — Speakers had plenty of encouraging words for Craik School’s class of 2016 at last weekend’s grad ceremony.
Guest speaker Debbie Wildfong spoke of the obstacles ahead as the graduates move forward to adult life, but encouraged them to have a positive outlook and nurture their gifts and talents.
“One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to commit to the journey and see the outcome,” she said, also advising them to reach out in times of challenge and struggle.
Craik bid farewell to seven Grade 12 graduates with a two-hour ceremony on June 24, recognizing their achievements and celebrating the years they spent learning and growing as a class.
Charla Edwards served as the master of ceremonies for the program, which opened with the singing of “O Canada,” led by Emily Ehman.
The graduates were introduced one by one, walking down the centre aisle with their parents and then taking the stage.
Following Wildfong’s speech, Walker Boyd and Riley Bagg gave predictions of where each of the classmates will find themselves 10 years from now.
Two graduates shared the valedictory address. First, Charly Nolting shared her memories of starting school at age 5, and the fear she felt at entering the building for the first time — a feeling that has re-emerged with adulthood on the horizon.
“It’s a whole lot scarier, but equally exciting,” she said. “I know that it’s gonna be one heck of a ride.”
She expressed her appreciation to those who shared the journey with the class of 2016, including teachers, parents and the rest of the community.
Hanna Sanden also spoke about the emotions that are surfacing for the Grade 12s, including fear and excitement. She offered words of encouragement for her classmates.
“You must always have faith in people, but most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself,” she said, adding as she closed, “Here’s to the night.”
For the full story, please see the July 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
Pictured here is Kenaston’s graduating class of 2016: Ruby Powder, Austin Evans and Tessa Tomlenovich.
By Joel van der Veen
KENASTON — They may be a small class from a small town, but that won’t stop Kenaston School’s class of 2016 from dreaming big dreams.
The class of three — Austin Evans, Ruby Powder and Tessa Tomlenovich — was celebrated during the graduation exercises, held Wednesday night at Kenaston Place.
“Small Town, Big Dreams” was the fitting theme for the trio, recognized as the smallest graduating class in school history.
A large crowd gathered for the program, with principal Greg McJannet and teacher Phil Guebert serving as the masters of ceremonies.
Throughout the evening, the graduates were encouraged to pursue those dreams and to make the most of the adventure that lies ahead of them.
“The opportunities for all of you are endless,” said Sun West School Division board trustee John Collins. “We wish you the best of luck as you go out to take on the world.”
Tessa Tomlenovich gave the tribute to the parents, with the mothers — Tammy Evans, Tammy Powder and Cindy Tomlenovich — providing the response.
Austin Evans made the tribute to the coaches, with the response provided by John Jamieson and Daniel Marsh.
Ruby Powder gave the tribute to the staff, while administrative assistant Carol Lewis offered the response.
The evening saw some repeated jokes at the students’ expense. Much was made of Austin Lewis’s penchant for shooting pen caps into the ceilings of Kenaston School.
Speakers made at least five references to Tessa Tomlenovich’s reputation for running late, while Ruby Powder was recognized as the “newbie,” having only joined the class in time for Grade 10.
For the full story, please see the July 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
Don Wilkins poses for a photo with a group of students at the surveyor statue in Chamberlain.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — History and design are important, sure, but how many sculptures were built with climbing in mind?
Students from Davidson School had a hands-on encounter with the statues built by local craftsman Don Wilkins last week, taking a tour from Chamberlain to Bladworth to see the displays along Highway 11.
At each stop they got off their bus to view the sculptures. Many students took the opportunity to get as close as possible — scaling the buffalo hunter’s gun, dangling from the ox’s horn or climbing into the Red River carts.
Wilkins, who joined them for the tour on June 17, was clearly delighted with the experience.
The sculptures were built big to make them visible to highway drivers, and to allow people to immerse themselves in history.
“I don’t mind people touching my work,” he said at one point, telling the students later, “I’m flattered by this whole event.”
Students from grades 4 and 7 took part in the bus tour, organized by staff members Correne Pedersen, Arlene Low and Garrett Bailey, with Darwin Taylor driving the bus.
They made five stops, viewing the surveyor at Chamberlain, the ox and cart at Aylesbury, the buffalo hunter at Craik, the buffalo at Girvin and the Louis Riel statue at Bladworth.
For the full story and photos, please see the June 27 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
Pictured are the award winners from Wednesday’s ceremony at Davidson School.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Two provincial sports titles made for a historic year for Davidson School.
As Sandra Baldwin said during the school’s annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, both the senior boys basketball team and the senior girls volleyball team made history in going all the way and winning provincial gold.
For the school to earn two titles in one year was itself a significant milestone, she added.
Baldwin called the teams up one by one, inviting the players to join hands with Kindergarten students and lead them to the front of the room.
“Kindergarteners,” she said, “you are holding the hands of champions.”
The students’ achievements in academics, athletics and drama were honoured during the ceremony, held in the gym on Wednesday. Tina Stone and Andrew Read served as masters of ceremonies.
Const. Kam Hay from the Craik RCMP detachment was on hand to present the Citizenship Award to Grade 11 student Miranda Farrell.
Senior basketball player Gabe Ebenal paid tribute to coach Kim Rettger, who received the West Central District’s Outstanding Coach award.
For the full story and photos, please see the June 27 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.
