Livingstone Range Grade 12 students honoured for leadership

Student leaders from six area high schools were honoured Thursday in Fort Macleod.

Dakota Van Langen, Zach Grant, Shaylee Teneycke, Brody Rast, Silas Mertz and Jasmine Anchoris were nominated for the Dr. Lloyd Cavers Student Leadership Scholarship.

The scholarship presentation was Thursday during Livingstone Range School Board’s 2022-’23 Honouring Student Excellence Awards.

“This is one of our favourite nights,” school board chair Lacey Poytress said. “We have so many wonderful students.”

The students, their family members, school and division staff gathered at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod for dinner and the awards.

The $1,000 Cavers scholarship, created by a former school division superintendent, recognizes top student leaders across Livingstone Range School Division.

Each high school nominates one graduating Grade 12 student whose leadership has had a positive impact at the school and in the community.

Cavers said he was delighted once again to attend the awards ceremony, noting every one over the years have had something in common.

“At each presentation ceremony like we have today we’ve all been absolutely blown away by the accomplishments of the students who have been nominated,” Cavers said.

The audience is routinely astonished and humbled to learn how much the nominees have accomplished as high school students.

“Each year I look forward to being here to listen to what these students have accomplished,” Cavers said. “You have to agree, it gives you hope. Hope for the future. It’s these people who are going to make the difference.”

Cavers said the students made a difference in their schools and communities and will continue to do so.

“I say that with certainty, because it’s always been that way.”

The $1,000 Dr. Lloyd Cavers Leadership Scholarship was presented to Dakota Van Langen, a Grade 12 student at Willow Creek Composite high school in Claresholm.

The other five students each receive a $200 scholarship.

Dakota Van Langen

Willow Creek Composite principal Rob Rogers first met Dakota four years ago when he coached Grade 9 basketball.

Dakota was not the most athletic, fastest or talented of all the players, but showed strength and resilience.

“She was the leader of all that group of girls,” Rogers said.

Dakota recognized her strengths and weaknesses and used that knowledge to advantage.

“Those skills she has an athlete to be able to fit in anywhere and take on any roles, she exhibits that in everything that she does,” Rogers said.

Dakota is class valedictorian, maintaining an average of more than 90 per cent, she was captain of the volleyball team, and volunteered at other team’s games.

Dakota tutors younger students, volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club for four years and helps at the hospital.

“She’s been both a formal and informal leader in our school,” Rogers said, explaining Dakota served on student council and organized a grad committee fund-raiser that netted close to $6,000.

“She’s just a very hard-working and very giving person,” Rogers said. “The commitment she has to service to school and community is unprecedented. She’s a tremendous person.”

Dakota will attend the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine in the biomedical science and honours program.

Shaylee Teneycke

Matthew Halton school principal Greg Freer said Shaylee Teneycke is a leader in the school and community.

Shaylee was involved in 4-H, fund-raised for Ronald McDonald House, took part in highway and community clean-ups, volunteered at the fire hall, took part in parades and children’s festivals, volunteers at Group Group Youth in Pincher Creek, and assists seniors by delivering groceries and driving them to appointments.

At school Shaylee helps younger students with homework, served on student council, took on a leadership role with grad and collects donations for the homeless at Christmas.

Shaylee is also one of the first graduates of Granum Fire Academy.

“She is going to continue this life of service,” Freer said.

Shaylee plans to attend Medicine Hat College with a goal of becoming a first responder.

Silas Mertz

Crowsnest Consolidated principal Paul Pichurski said Silas Mertz is an exemplary student who is responsible, motivated and engaged.

“He’s given his time to make the school and community a better place over the years,” Pichurski said.

Silas participated in sports, being named captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams, and participating in soccer and track and field.

Silas was involved in school leadership programs and was named class president this year for the Grade 12s.

“His classmates see him as that leader as well,” Pichurski said.

Silas received a Schulich Leader Scholarship for leadership and will attend the University of Calgary.

Pichurski said Silas is the representative of the student body to the Crowsnest Pass community.

“He communicates effectively, has a positive attitude, he is reliable and always strives to reach and surpass the best of his abilities,” Pichurski said.

Silas gets involved at school, helping out when needed, assisting students and staff, and works hard at everything.

“Silas is an outstanding youth and he’s an ideal candidate for an award such as this,” Pichurski said.

Jasmine Anchoris

J.T. Foster school principal Roger Doucet didn’t mince words describing the Nanton school’s nominee.

“Jasmine without question is one of the best young leaders in the province,” Doucet said.

One of the first projects Jasmine headed at J.T. Foster was the Relay for Life fund-raiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, which last year raised close to $10,000.

“Everything Jasmine touches grows, and produces much fruit,” Doucet said.

Jasmine plans school events, she was crowned queen at Queen’s Ball, she represents the school on the Livingstone Leaders, serving this year as president, and takes part in school sports.

Zach Grant

F.P. Walshe school principal said Zach Grant is a person who others naturally gravitate toward.

“This young man gives me a ton of hope for the future,” Jensen said.

Zach’s friendly and welcoming personality and warm smile endeared him to other students at the Fort Macleod school.

A quiet, humble person who leads by example, Zach is always willing to help out when asked at school events.

“He’s that guy who is always willing to lend a hand,” Jensen said.

As an athlete, Zach also demonstrates leadership and was a captain of the volleyball team. He was respected by both teammates and coaches.

“One of the things I admire about him is Zach is always willing to put himself out there,” said Jensen, recalling how Zach and classmate Mathias Rippin entertained as masters of ceremonies at the school talent show.

Zach was involved with grad council and other school activities and volunteered at the STARS volleyball tournament, with highway clean-up and at his church.

Zach is in the Registered Apprentice Program for auto service technicians with plans to attend Lethbridge College.

Brady Rast

Livingstone school principal Sarah Holmgren said Brady Rast is a role model for other students at the school in Lundbreck.

As an accomplished dancer, Brady is a role model to young dancers as well.

“I could talk forever about Brady but the thing that gets me is this: he’s still modest, positive, hard-working and just one of those people everyone feels safe around and enjoys being around,” Holmgren said.

Brady is honest, sensitive and a bit “sassy.”

Brady plans to attend the University of British Columbia where he will study commerce.