COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

Cookstown Grade 8 grads

The first significant milestone in a student's life, graduating from grade 8, was held for Cookstown Central Public School on Wednesday, June 27, at Bear Creek Secondary School's auditorium.

It was the school's principal Chris Russel's address, which brought this special event into focus.

What is a school? It is all of us together- teachers, parents, graduates. All lessons taught, all lessons learned. All help given by their supports, we all made a difference.

Sally Telford as M.C. asked the audience to stand up, as to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, the 47 graduates entered the auditorium.

Teachers Paul Brett, Stephanie Morris, Daniel French, Sandy Rix, Diane Skinner, had the pleasure to present the Graduation Certificates to all students.

The following students, whose average during the 2006-2007 school year was equal or higher than 79, made the Honour List: Konrad Stephanie - 85.61; Bailey Tayler - 84.96; Quinn Marshall - 84.72; Lea Tanner 84.13; Yoon Jonathan - 83.74; Warldaw Robyn - 83.11; Petkovsek Maximilian - 82.14; Merkley Jordan - 81.96; Forsyth Jordan - 80.84; Kucharczyk Autumn - 80.60; Dewsbury Joelle - 80.55; Kernot Justin - 79.90; Johnston Elsa - 79.74; McNab Shelby - 79.33; Hall Willem - 79.28; Arnold David - 79.27

The Mel Kennedy Athletic Award: Joelle Dewsbury, Autumn Kucharczyk, Jordan Merkley, David Arnold, Matthew Bridgeman, Jonathan LaPlaca, Duncan McIver, R.J. Stacey, Ryan Nayler.

Edyth Wright Award for Top Academic Students: Stephanie Konrad, Tanner Lee, Jordan Merkley, Tayler Bailey

Principal's Award: Robyn Wardlaw

Shirley Riley Award for Top All-Round Student: Autumn Kucharczyk, Lonny Myer's Award for Most Improved Student: Julian Purchase

Al McMullen School Spirit and Citizenship Award: Robyn Wardlaw, Tyler Maenz, Stephanie Konrad, Autumn kucharczyk

Creativity Awards: Robyn Wardlaw, Scott Pharand, Tayler Baileym Laura Curle, Shelby McNabb, Stephanie Brown.

Masonic Award for Perseverance & Tenacity presented by Gord Turner to Alex Peterson and Meagan Howlett

Athletes of the Year Award: Jordan Merkley, Elsa Johnston, Jonathan LaPlaca, Matt Bridgman.

Maximilian Petkovsek was chosen by his fellow students to be their Valedictorian, returning this honour with a very fitting address, reflecting on their experiences at Cookstown Central and the role their teachers played in getting them ready for the future.

A visual presentation and remarks by Vice Principal Kathy Newby, concluded the ceremony.

Congratulations to you all, best luck for your future.

Special mention to Mrs. Darlene Braybrook for the creative ideas decorating the auditorium at Bear Creek Secondary School.

Savoury Sensations

Strolling down Cookstown's Queen street, my friend from Slovakia and I stopped at the little yellow house for a treat of Gelato. And what a lovely surprise to be greeted by the owner - Bev Nix.

Known for years from her Queen Street Station Boutique and the Princely Pear, Savory Sensations is her new venture, a new idea for the Village of Cookstown.

As the name suggests, it serves Gelato lemon, Chocolate, Mango, Raspberry, Cinnamon ice in a waffle cup. Home made tarts, scones, tea biscuits, croissant, cookies are treats from the bake shop as are artisans breads, Duflet cakes, Miniatures (little cakes).

Bev also carries bread dipping spices, apple butter and maple jelly and an assortment of pretty, unusual coffee mugs and cutlery.

So take a moment out of your busy life, sit down at Savory Sensations, go inside for a treat and to meet gracious Bev Nix.