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Vol. 141
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Issue No. 23
Holy Name’s valedictorian will encourage peers Continued Essex Council notes - June 7, 2021 to reach for their dreams and never give up A LOOK INSIDE
PAGE 3 ______________ RFQ issued for the widening of Highway # 3, from County Road 23 County Road 34 PAGE 9 _______________ Individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine before April 18 can book second dose PAGE 11 _______________ Essex MP questioned International Trade Committee about softwood lumber PAGE 14 ________________ Essex Fire & Rescue hoping to move into new Station #2 in July PAGE 15 ________________ & MORE....
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“MABEL” See Page 5 for adoption info.
Photo submitted: Pictured is Holy Name Catholic Elementary School’s valedictorian, Rachel Wilbee.
by Sylene Argent At the beginning of the school year, Rachel Wilbee knew she wanted to become valedictorian of the graduating class at Holy Name Catholic Elementary School, because she enjoys being involved in school activities. When she learned those in her class who wanted a shot at filling the role had to write a speech to enter the nomination process, she got right to work to prepare what she hoped would be the words of inspiration that would send her classmates off into high school. When she learned her teachers selected her as class valedictorian, she was super excited. And, she is counting down the days to being able to put on the cap and gown and deliver her address. “The main message in my speech is kind of about reaching for your dreams and never giving up,” she said, adding it also highlights matters she and her classmates learned this year, in addition to challenges they overcame. Senior year had its snags, Wilbee said. Class trips and school activities got cancelled, but the teachers made online learning fun. “We’ve done different activities in class and they’ve done theme days, which was fun. They definitely made it, when we were in school, as fun as possible, so that we could still have grade eight events.” At school, Wilbee enjoyed
participating in running events, like track and field and cross country. She also participated on the basketball team. Outside of school, she enjoyed playing hockey and softball, and got introduced to golf over the past year. Looking ahead, she hopes to try out for, and perhaps earn a spot, on a few teams at the highschool level. Not being able to connect with teammates, and friends at school, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyday has been hard, she admitted. When hitting the books, Wilbee especially enjoyed math class, “Because I feel like it is a challenge and there is always an answer to the problem, which I like.” She also enjoyed learning about different sciences. Moving onto high school, Wilbee said she will miss the teachers at Holy Name the most. “It will definitely be hard to go to a new school and meet new people. Some of my classmates, I may not see again because they are moving schools or moving towns. That will be hard.” Heading to Essex District High School, Wilbee is excited to explore a larger variety of subjects. “I m definitely excited to meet new people and teachers. That’ll be fun,” she said. In speaking to her peers about moving onto high school, Wilbee said, “I think they should take
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