Heather Latter
Chosen from more than 1,000 applicants across Canada, Fort Frances High School students Meagan Empey, Kelli Cole, and Jerry Wu will attend the award-winning Shad Valley program next month.
“I’m happy—and a little nervous—but I think it will be a good experience,” said Cole, who has just completed Grade 11.
“I think it will be a great opportunity to get prepared for university,” echoed Wu, also a Grade 11 student.
Shad Valley takes place at 10 universities around the country, where participants gain first-hand experience of campus life.
They will live in residence for the month and learn about innovation, entrepreneurship, science, and technology through lectures, workshops, and team-building activities run by university faculty and industry leaders.
Cole will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston while Wu is heading to Memorial University in St. John’s, Nfld.
Empey will be going to Université Laval in Québec City to attend the French Immersion program.
“I’m really happy because I want to improve my French,” said Empey, who returned to Fort High for a fifth year after graduating from Grade 12 last June.
“I’m hoping it will help me decide what I want to do since you’re exposed to so much,” she added, noting she is planning to attend the University of Manitoba this fall for a general first year.
“I really have no idea what I want to do at this point,” she admitted.
Empey also decided to apply for the Shad Valley program because her older brother had attended five years ago and really enjoyed it.
“I wanted to do something this summer and it seemed ideal,” she reasoned.
Cole and Wu, meanwhile, both heard about the program from Fort High teachers.
“They spoke very highly of it, so I got some more information about it,” Wu noted.
All three stressed the application process was a lot of work and highly-competitive.
“We had to do a creative page, essays, references, charts, and our grades were included, too,” noted Cole.
“It’s an accomplishment just to be accepted.”
Shad Valley’s criteria includes a high academic achievement, with a passion for science, engineering, math, or technology, along with initiative and creativity.
The program also looks for leaders in diverse pursuits, including athletics, the arts, and work, as well as a strong volunteer impact and outstanding interpersonal skills.
Fort High teacher Kalon DeGagne has been encouraging of the students attending Shad Valley as he also attended the program as a student back in 2002.
“I has a great time and I’m sure these students will, too,” he enthused.
“Shad Valley is a good enrichment program that students aren’t able to have in a small town.”
DeGagne said the trio will work closely with professors and experience what university life is like.
“We are building tomorrow’s industry and academic leaders by instilling a spirit of excellence in them, and exposing them to science and business in a dynamic group environment,” Shad Valley president Barry Bisson noted in a recent press release.
“The strong sense of community that is created for participants is one of Shad Valley’s strengths,” he stressed.
All three local students are excited by the unique opportunity ahead of them and are looking forward to meeting new people.
“At Shad Valley, we inspire participants to dream big and achieve their full potential,” said Bisson.
“The personal growth that participants experience is life-changing and transformational,” he noted.
“With increased confidence, exposure to innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, and enhanced problem-solving skills, Shad Valley alumni are ready to make a strong impact on Canada and the world.”
