The Borden Lions held their 11th annual speak-offs for high school students from Borden and Langham March 14 in the Lions' Room, Borden Community Centre. Judges were Marlene Derbawka, Louise Saunders and Eric Pearce, timekeeper was Sandra Long and master of ceremonies Lion John Buswell. The winners go on to District 5SKN speak-offs at Rosthern April 11 and the winners from there go to provincials in Yorkton in June.
First up to speak was Emma Prescesky who spoke about a Paralympian horseback rider, how she became a Paralympian, the obstacles she overcame to compete and become a winner and what she plans for the future.
Chantelle McLeod of Langham spoke on safety in riding - the advantages to wearing a helmet when riding horses and what happened to her that could have been much worse if she had not been wearing a helmet. Three out of five riders will at some time have a head injury. There are 70,000 accidents a year due to riding horses and even rodeo riders are starting to wear helmets.
Duncan Sutherland spoke on Olympian Oscar Pistorius of South Africa, a Paralympian runner who has blades instead of legs, about what he has accomplished and then his downfall in being charged with murder. He spoke about how Pistorius's athletic ability and being a role model to others has been tarnished by the scandal and the media.
Cookies and juice boxes were served while the judges conversed, then the results were announced. Placing first was Chantelle; Helen presented the Donald Sutherland memorial plaque to her. Second was Emma and third Duncan. Each speaker received a cash prize from the Lions and, depending on how many speakers are participating at the next level, all three may go on.
Linda Yuskiw and Lorraine Olinyk, representing the Radisson Royal Purple, were at Borden School March 12 to present the Grades 1 - 8 winners of the Saskatchewan Elks and Royal Purple Healthy Choices Poster Contest with their prize money. All participants received a certificate and Smarties.
The winning posters from Borden School and Maymont Central School were done by: kindergarten, Grade 1 - first, Julia Siebert, Borden; second, Kolten Gardiner and third, Rylan Voegeli, both Maymont; Grades 2, 3-first, Allison Warwryk, Maymont; second, David Gough and third, Sadie Funk, both Borden; Grade 4, 5, 6 - first, Brooke Brazeau, Borden; second, Brooklyn Boklaschuk, Maymont; and third, Jade Matte, Borden; Grade 7,8, 9 - first Rachel Sutherland, second, Sarah Sliedricht and third, Nikita Pascoe, all from Borden.
There were 44 posters entered from Borden in Grades 1 - 8 and 53 from Maymont in Grades 1 -6. Maymont high school students sent in videos but they were late entering so the videos went directly to provincials and were not judged locally. Maymont Central School will be visited this coming week to present those students with their certificates, Smarties and prize money.
After the school break there were two staff changes at Borden School. Mr. Gartner came back after paternity leave and Ms. Renee Lemieux completed her temporary contract teaching Grades 5 and 6. Administrative assistant Mrs. Burke received a new job in Warman and Elise Meister is back to fill that position.
The book fair at the school was a success, having a profit of $400 in free books. The family prize was won by Julia Hebig, so her kindergarten to Grade 2 class got $25 worth of free books.
In high school band, Aryn Polichuk was chosen to play with the University of Saskatchewan High School Select Wind Orchestra. The senior and jazz bands are participating in the Twin River Music Festival in Dalmeny March 19 and performing at the Regina Downtowners Optimist Festival March 20 and 21, so good luck to them.
In high school sports, junior and senior badminton is ongoing with playoffs for juniors April 16, 18 and 21 and, for seniors. April 23, 25 and 27. Senior regionals are May 4.
