HUMBOLDT - The Horizon Central Athletic Association (HCAA) has announced the recipient of the 2024 Kent Lessmeister Memorial Scholarship, Marie Millette of Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI).
The Kent Lessmeister Memorial Scholarship was created by the HCAA in memory of former HCAA executive member Kent Lessmeister, and is awarded annually to up to two graduating students from schools within the HCAA who will be furthering their education in Saskatchewan in a sports-related field.
In the HCAA release it said, “Marie exemplifies what Kent held dearly – staying active in school sports, strong leadership skills, sportsmanship, and role modeling within the school and the community. The HCAA congratulates Marie and thanks her for all she has contributed to her school’s athletics programs and her school.”
Millette will be attending St. Peter’s College in Muenster in the fall of 2024 to attain her first year in kinesiology and will then be transferring to the University of Saskatchewan to complete her degree.
Millette has been involved with many sports and activities throughout her entirety of school. This past year Millette has been an athlete on HCI’s track and field team and competed in four different events and placed first in Districts for three of them. She attended provincial track and field on June 7 and 8 in Saskatoon.
Millette said, “This opportunity to play school sports has truly shown me what it's like to be part of a team, and I am grateful to the amazing teachers and managers who are able to provide such an awesome opportunity.”
Millette’s biggest stage was at a national level for gymnastics. Millette said from elementary school up until December of 2023 she was training 24 hours a week and travelling to Saskatoon for most of her training.
Millette said she was missing an immense amount of school and it taught her how to make sacrifices, learn time management, and push through stressful situations.
Millette also showed appreciation and said she was privileged to travel to many international and national competitions including Canadian Championships, Western Canadian Championships and the Combs La Ville International Tournament in France.
“Gymnastics has truly shaped me into the person I am today, and the training has truly helped me in my transition to track and field.”
Millette is also a member at the Longhorn Crossfit in Humboldt where she has learned and developed many new skills.
Millette said her physical health has always been very important to her and it is such a great opportunity to stay fit and feel better physically and mentally.
Millette was also involved with volunteering within her school and community. Millette is a part of the Student Action Squad at her school where the group raises money and awareness for various causes and people in need. One event they put on this year was a Red Ribbon Campaign where they were able to spread awareness to many people about the dangers of drinking and driving. Millette also volunteered at the local colour run which will take place at the end of the school year, which was for mental health awareness. She is also the chair of the interfaith committee. Millette also volunteers at her local church by singing in the choir.
