Every week here at The Compass, we spotlight people with an interesting story to tell. Perhaps they are battling a disease, marking a milestone in their careers, brimming with enthusiasm about their first CD release, or expressing anger and frustration at the government.
We also come in contact quite regularly with youth, whether it's at the schools, in the arena or on the street.
And lately we've been noticing something - there are many outstanding young people in the Conception Bay North and Trinity South regions. We've had the good fortune of meeting many of them in recent days, and feel some praise is in order.
We'll even drop some names. Here's a list of some we've encountered who have left an impression with us. If you're a loyal reader of The Compass you'll recognize them and their accomplishments. Some have shown tremendous character and strength under very trying conditions, while others have excelled in the classroom, on the sporting field or in society in general.
Cassandra Bishop. Zachary Barrett. Victoria French. Alexander Morgan. Allison Somers. Zack Laing. Rebecca Green. Emily Deanna Peddle. Chelsea-Lynn Barrett. Jeffrey Ryan. Kelsey Barrett. Shealyn Jerrett. Karla Finn. Patrick Smith. Kora Liegh Russell. Gerianne Rowe.
We can add three more names to the list this week - Natalie Keeping, Alicia Gillam and Taylor Anderson. All three have earned a spot on the 2011 Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Winter Games female hockey team that will compete in Halifax in February. Making the team is no easy feat, and after speaking with them last week, we're confident they will represent this province with dignity and prowess.
Well-spoken. Intelligent. Confident. Motivated. Gracious. Inspirational. All words we can use to describe them. And you can be sure these are names you will hear again and again in the future as they grow and mature into upstanding individuals who will undoubtedly be leading lights in whatever vocations they pursue.
Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "A leader is a dealer in hope."
Well, we can't help but be upbeat about the future, knowing that it is in the hands of such capable and gifted young people.
— Terry Roberts, senior editor
