They’ve got the whole world in their hands

BY STEPHEN WEIR

The weather was perfect for the students who took part in the Seventh Annual Walk of Excellence. The day started at the CW Jeffery’s High School near York University.  All the students met in the high school auditorium before heading off on a 4km march up to the main entrance of York University.

This year the Walk With Excellence had a fifth school involved in the parade, Father James McGuigan High School of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. “It is wonderful to have the Public School and Catholic School students walking together as a community. These young minds have demonstrated student achievement and academic excellence,” says Shannon Ashman one of the Walk founders.

The parading graduating students turned it into a fun event; they had school banners and a blow-up globe of the world with the words, “The World Awaits You” painted on it. To ensure the graduating students arrived safely at the University, CUPE union members and volunteers from the Toronto Caribbean Carnival were parade marshals along the route. When they arrive at York University, the students gathered in the courtyard and listened to live music as well as two moving speeches from organizers Itah Sadu, and the University’s Vice Provost, Alice Pitt. In her speech, Alice highlighted why the parade was so important; the annual parade is to mark the graduation of the students and to encourage them not to end their studies at Grade 12.

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“I want to welcome you all today to York University,” said Alice Pitt, “Whether you decide to come to York or attend any other post-secondary school, I hope you will all be back here in four-years to show me your degrees.”

According to event organizer Itah Sadu, this year’s theme is the reason that pilot Paul Bolt was brought in to give the keynote address. Bolt is a Transport Canada Check Pilot and the Manager, Flight Training and Standards (Rotor Wing) for Ornge, Ontario’s Air Ambulance Service Provider. He began his aviation career in the Jamaica Defence Force 25 years ago, where, among other things, he served as an infantry platoon commander, helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and Standards Officer; he is now living in Mississauga.

After the walk, the talk, and a free lunch, the students told me that they were  “pumped” about the fact their high school days are now behind them, and most seem very keen to continue their studies at York come this September.