Speaking at this year's Living Sky School Division Student Hall of Fame Celebration, Minister of Education Russ Marchuk said the event is a testament to Living Sky's commitment to youth and to community.
Marchuk thanked teachers, coaches, parents, guardians and grandparents for their support in helping students achieve. He thanked the students as well,
"Thank you for being you," he said.
He pointed out examples of individuals from the Battlefords who have achieved success, including W. Brett Wilson, one of Canada's most well-known entrepreneurs whose worth is estimated in the billions, and Devon Jamieson, a professional dancer who has had the chance to work with some of the biggest names in music including Michael Jackson and Usher.
He also referred to Rueben Mayes, who was last year's guest speaker at the Hall of Fame, whose high school football career extended to college and then the professional level in New Orleans and then Seattle.
He talked also about Allen Sapp, a Canadian Cree artist who is the pride of Saskatchewan, and Kendal Netmaker, whose success as an athlete translated into success as the founder of Neechie Gear, a clothing line, and of NG Athletics Club Inc., a non-profit organization that creates, supports and develops youth-based sports teams.
"I think it's absolutely fantastic, wonderful, when Saskatchewan young people have an idea, and that idea sparks passion, and that passion leads to success, whether on the world stage or right here at home."
He said, "I truly believe that we have the next Brett Wilson, the next Rueben Mayes or the next Kendal Netmaker right here in this room."
