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Whistler Grad perspectives

This semester, it was possible to open a class for students interested in Writing 12 or Journalism 12.

Since the students were not in the same block, they worked on their own for more than half of their time. One project for the Journalism students was to interview as many past graduates of Whistler Secondary that they could reach and question them about what they had done since their graduating year and what advice they could give to current students.

Finally, the students wanted to formulate a conclusion about how growing up here, and attending a small high school had affected what students did after graduating.

The following three articles attempt to answer these questions.

– Gail Rybar

Some past graduates

By Dee Toporowski < "After Graduation, the world seems to be a whole lot bigger," says Jeff Beatty, a 2002 graduate of Whistler Secondary.  "There’s a sudden realization that you will have to work for a living and pay your own way through life."

Adults in our community often wonder what has happened to the grads from our local school. Research done by Journalism 12 students this past month would suggest that most are doing well, and doing many different things.

Coming from a small high school does not seem to be a disadvantage when it comes to post—secondary success. WSS has sent far more students to university than many much larger schools.

The students who attained the award of Top Academic standing in their Grade 12 year have all gone on to university. Andrea Rybar and Alison Murray, top grads in 1997 and ’98, and Andrew Bennett and Carrie Davies, who left here in 2000 and 2001, have all completed Bachelor’s Degrees from SFU, UBC and Acadia.

Andrea and Alison have already embarked on post-graduate studies. Haley DeKraker, Jen Barkman, Michael Daugulis and Megan McKeever are all currently successful UBC students. A glance at the plaques listing those students who earned Provincial Scholarships on their Grade 12 exams reveals that most are continuing their academic careers.

WSS has attempted to provide programs for athletes who are pursing athletic goals beyond what is usual when students are at school. Jeff Hume and Britt Janyk, graduates of 1998, are members of Canada’s National Ski Team. Younger siblings, Mike Janyk (2000) and Scott Hume (2001) have joined them, as has Christina Risler (2001).

The school’s most renowned snowboarder, Mercedes Nicoll, is looking like a strong contender for the 2006 Olympic Games. Danielle O’Reilly, a grad from 2001, continues to golf while she finishes her degree at the University of Tennessee. Ben Thornhill, who completed his studies in 2002, is ski racing and studying at the University of Utah on a full scholarship. Brook Baker (2003) continues her bike racing while studying at UVic.

Many other athletes have continued to pursue their athletic goals.

Students from WSS have found their niche in other career areas. Sandy Mozes (1998) and Steph McDougall, (2002) have completed or are completing their pilots’ training certifications. Noah Richoz (1998) is currently working on the set of Dead Zone. His father is enthusiastic about the Work Experience that Noah received while at WSS which enabled him to go directly into the film industry.

Fiona Crichton (1998) is a BCIT engineering grad who is working in her field in North Vancouver while continuing her studies.

Jody Edgar, (1999) established his own business in Whistler in the year after he completed high school.

Garnet Clare (2002) has recently released a CD.

While Whistler continues to be home and work place for a significant number of our grads,another pursuit followed by many Whistler grads is travel.

It would be difficult to estimate the kilometers logged around the world.  Southeast Asia, Europe, Central and South America have all been destinations for many of our grads. Their education did not end with the end of their high school career. The wider community of Whistler should feel proud of the record of these students and confident that current students at Whistler Secondary will continue to strive towards success in their own goals.

Overcoming Stereotypes

By Brittany Duggan

Drugs, sex and rock and roll! Let’s be honest, what the vast majority of non-Whistlerites hear through the media is a barrage of negative commentary on what it’s like to live and grow up here. The truth, as we know, is substantially different.

In the last month, I have talked with several of the parents of former grads here at Whistler Secondary School. Thanks to their answers, I now have a better understanding of all the ways Whistler and Whistler Secondary School contributes to the formation of bright young adults. Although I am aware of the negative aspects of a small high school in a world class resort town, I see the many positive contributions that a community like Whistler brings to its youth.

A smaller school provides students with smaller classes and therefore a greater opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from a teacher. This also works for teachers in a smaller school, as they can better develop a relationship of trust and familiarity with their students, further making school a comfortable, safe place to be. Getting used to small classes in high school is great practice for students planning to attend a post secondary institution with smaller study groups for in-depth discussions.

On the other hand, graduates from WSS have found it overwhelming leaving a school where everyone knows your name for a post secondary institution where there’s not one familiar face and classes are often the size of the entire Whistler Secondary student body.

The influence of active parents and inspiring role models could not be greater than here at Whistler. This community is full of people who are athletic, energetic, motivated and hard working. Could a child ask to be brought up amongst better influences? I think not.

People that come to Whistler, come to enjoy the great outdoors and share the many diverse opportunities that Whistler has to offer. These are the types of parents and teachers who jointly contribute to shaping healthy, active children.

One unfortunate downside of Whistler is that not all sports or activities have the same local support, and so it ultimately ends up being the same energetic parents who are driving their children out of Whistler if a sport other than skiing or mountain biking has been chosen.

One other topic which may not be unique to Whistler but to small schools everywhere, is that some Whistler grads found it difficult to obtain specialized courses. A smaller school can’t provide as many senior courses, so students aren’t left with as much choice when it comes to their timetable.

However, the WSS athletic program does enable even the busiest athletes to complete required courses and graduate. This program has helped many young athletes work towards their goals, while receiving a well-rounded education.

Quite possibly the most advantageous thing about living in Whistler is the work experience. So many different, extraordinary jobs are right here in Whistler. Students can test the waters while attending high school by working in restaurants, hotels, on the mountain, or for small businesses during the summer or after school. Where else could any teen build such a resume before even graduating? When potential employers ask the common Whistler refrain, "Do you have a place to live?" It’s great to be able to say, "I’m a resident, when do I start?"

Whistler teens and the challenges of growing up here have been frequently criticized by the media in the past, although the reason why remains a mystery to me. I’ve looked at what former grads have done since they left WSS and on different paths most have gone on to be successful in what they’ve chosen to do.

I’m not trying to say that growing up in Whistler is better than anywhere else. I am saying that the positive aspects of growing up in a town such as ours outweigh any negatives and leave us balanced and ready to face the challenges on the road ahead.

Advice to Whistler Secondary Graduating Students

By Lilli Baker

The question I asked the students I interviewed was, "What should I be prepared for after high school?"

This is important, since for those of us graduating this month, this is definitely one of the most important crossroads of our lives – especially because of the pressures and demands that are put on us to make the right decisions.

After researching past graduates of WSS in my Journalism 12 class, I have learned a number of things.

Students growing up in Whistler should take advantage of what surrounds us, and indulge in all the great things the Whistler lifestyle has to offer.

Mike Janyk, a member of the national ski team, advised students to take their time in reaching major decisions. He thinks it is important to make choices that we can be happy with — and that cannot be rushed. No one wants to disappoint anyone by not making the right choice.   I learned that for some, university or college has been the best choice; for others it was the experience of working or traveling.

Each path taken has been an opportunity to experience and understand the world, bringing the students one step closer to finding themselves.

They advise current students to be proactive in their grade 12 year and make things happen for themselves. They suggest that students be conscious of things going on outside their world, do what THEY want to do, and try not to get too stressed out. Students should also remember teachers and parents are their friends through this time of anxiety and pressure.

The hard realities of finances pose challenges to grads. When someone is a child, it is not always clear where money comes from, and what a VISA card is.

When you are on your own, it is not so easy. There was a suggestion that it would be helpful if schools focused on money management somewhere in the curriculum, that it would have been good to have learned how to handle government tax forms.

This is especially true for grads who continue to be students, and for those who have entered the working world. Learning about rental agreements and mortgages is all-important before long.

For those who go on studying, it was suggested that even big universities can seem friendly as soon as a student begins to make friends. Living in residence, joining clubs or teams, and attending seminars are all ways that first year can be less isolating.

Most grads who have been at university agree that it is a change to be on their own. The temptation to put off assignments can have fearful consequences when the essays all pile up toward the end of term.  Some grads recommend taking less than a full load of courses to relieve some of the pressure.

Personal relations affect everyone, whatever path they take through life. One of the grads of 1998 was married last weekend, and at least one of the grads of that year has two children. Somehow, high school students have to develop the ability to balance studies, work, personal fulfillment and relations with other people if they are to become happy adults. It is a scary responsibility. Ahh. A hush fell over the crowd as we graduated on Saturday.  With all of the ups and downs that we have already encountered, we have made it this far.

One thing that we know for sure is that we all want to learn, love, laugh, and most importantly live the lives we choose.