News release

Canso Academy Grad A Dedicated Volunteer

Education and Culture (to July 1999)

Commitment to her community and school has led Melanie Parker to her dream of becoming a medical doctor.

This fall, the 18-year-old graduate of Canso Academy will attend St. Francis Xavier University to begin studies toward a bachelor of science degree, a first step toward fulfilling that dream.

Ms. Parker's years at the Canso school have been filled with activities. In her graduating year, she was yearbook editor, student council president, co-ordinator for the 30-Hour Famine project, and chair of the UNICEF Club, the IWK Fund-raising Committee and Christmas Daddies Fund-raising Committee, to name a few. She also represented her school at the Terry Fox Youth Centre, in Ottawa, for a week-long science and technology seminar.

"In her extracurricular life, she has made and continues to make positive contributions to a variety of school organizations," says teacher Michael Dallien. "She is fully dedicated to leading an effective student council, providing a wealth of activities and benefits for the student body of the school."

When a nerve injury in her leg resisted treatment, it stopped Ms. Parker from participating in sports. What the disability couldn't do was prevent her from putting 110 percent of her energy into helping the school any way she could. She has worked hard to be where she is today.

"Melanie has had to overcome significant obstacles to become the mature, gentle, courageous and responsible young adult that she is," says her doctor, Allen Finley. "She has maintained excellent school performance, as well as a cheerful, pleasant and optimistic outlook on life."

When this busy Grade 12 grad was not offering her time at the school, she could be seen volunteering throughout the community. She writes weekly reports for the Guysborough Journal, canvasses for the Canadian Cancer Society, and is a member of the Eastern Guysborough County Crime Awareness Committee. She received a certificate of appreciation from the Municipal Recreation Commission, District of Guysborough, for outstanding volunteer services in the community, and she received an honorable mention from the Department of Recreation for youth volunteer work.

Of all her activities, the volunteer work closest to her heart is carried out at Canso Seaside Manor. "I was really close to my grandmother growing up, and when she passed away I wanted to continue helping older people anyway I could," she says of her experience with the manor.

"Melanie has devoted a lot of time and energy here," says manor administrator Darren Bennett. "She is like a ray of sunshine to the residents of the manor."

Her contributions to both the school and community are impressive for someone who maintained a 95 per cent average in high school. She admits that juggling such a full schedule can be a little hectic.

"My days are definitely filled, but no matter how hectic they get, I wouldn't change a thing I've done."


NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange a photograph, please contact Andrea MacKenzie at the above number or e-mail address.