I find myself often looking at the world, and I see its many challenges – poverty, injustice, inequality – and I wonder, what can I do? I look at the great figures of history: revolutionaries, leaders, visionaries, people who have made real, substantial change, and I think to myself, I am just one person. How can I make a difference like they did?
This was a day of sadness, resilience and support. It was the first senior girls basketball game played since the passing of their head coach, Mr. Adam Kulakowsky, last week. The whole school has been reeling from his untimely death, but the pain is particularly being felt by this group of 12 athletes who shared the courts, the hotels and the bus rides with Mr. K on an almost daily basis since early November.
I stand here today knowing that exactly a week ago, I was sitting on the plane going back home staring at my laptop screen with zero clue of how to start. I was talking with some of my teammates about what my prefect speech could be about, and I had originally planned to maybe write about love, being the day before Valentine's Day and all. But then I was thinking it over, and I decided, I don't want to do that. I don't want to talk about love when I haven't the slightest clue how to see myself, let alone dictate how you see others.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not even really sure what “irony” is. At some point my English teacher colleague told me there are three different types of irony – dramatic irony being one of them. I can’t remember the others. Actually, does anyone really get irony? I’m not so sure. It’s like “the economy.” It’s out there, but no one really knows what it is.
The Stanstead College community was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of teacher Adam Kulakowsky this past weekend. Our first thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mr. Kulakowsky’s family. We cannot imagine the impact of such a loss in their lives.
Coming off our biggest league win vs BCS two days earlier, we were feeling confident, with a four game RSEQ win streak, a 5-2 record in our division, and a rematch against a team that we had beaten handily (59-30) before Christmas. With a win today, we would cement a spot in the playoffs. We were rolling, and we were motivated.
Zoé had an excellent month of January, with strong play and timely goal scoring pacing the Spartans to strong weekends in Ottawa, at home and in Minnesota. The Sherbrooke, Quebec, product's speed and hockey IQ caused several problems for the opposition, which she and her linemates, Isabelle Michaud and Charlie Pampalon, were able to capitalize. Along with Maélie Pion and Pénélope Lavoie, the five have formed a dangerous powerplay unit where Zoé's ability to make intelligent plays at the goal line has significantly increased the number of scoring chances and goals for the team while on the man advantage.
I strongly believe in the power of personal development. Self-motivation, self-belief and self-discipline are the keys to achieving your goals and becoming the best version of yourself. However, I think the biggest obstacle to personal growth is procrastination.
If you've been to any of the Stanstead College seniors boys or girls basketball games recently you've probably seen a stranger in the stands and asked yourself the question: "That guy must be Victor's dad." Which I'd like to point out is not actually a question. But true story, someone started talking to me about how well Victor was playing. I assumed he was Victor's father. It wasn't until he said, "You must be really proud of him!" that I realized what was happening.
Stanstead College entered the BCS Tournament with high hopes but faced stiff competition and a series of challenges over the course of the three games. Despite showing flashes of strong defensive play and offensive potential, their inability to maintain composure, coupled with turnovers and missed opportunities ultimately led to a difficult tournament showing. Here’s a breakdown of each game and what the team can take away from the experience.
Last weekend when I started to write my speech, I sat in front of my computer, staring at the screen but totally had no idea. I even went to the Stanstead College website to read other prefect speeches, including some from 2020. But no matter how much I looked, I still didn’t know what to say.
Your Stanstead College Senior Boys Spartans participated in the historic Anderson Small Schools Provincial Tournament this past weekend, hosted this year by BCS in Lennoxville, QC. Here is how it went down.
A snowy night in Drummondville. L’Ecole Secondaire La Poudriere. The scoreboard reads 17-16 at halftime. We’re down. It’s been a scratchy game. I can’t complain about the effort, the boys are bringing the energy, but we’re a step late to loose balls, we’re fouling too much, we’re visibly upset at the tight whistle, and we’re letting our opponents get into the paint where they consistently wreak havoc. We’re not good with havoc, especially on the defensive end. Havoc creates gaps. It sends opposing players to the line. Havoc gets us in foul trouble.
SC kicked off the new year with their first game against Claretain following a well-earned break from academics. After two solid practices to shake off the rust, the team took the court eager to get back into the flow of basketball. However, the opening minutes revealed some lingering effects of the layoff. Defensive hesitancy, a lack of urgency in transition and shaky team chemistry made for a slow start, as SC conceded 12 points in the first six minutes.
Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but many of them don’t follow through. For my New Year's resolution, I want to overcome the difficulties I have faced. For instance, when I first arrived in Stanstead, it was completely different from the life I had previously lived; it was my first time living away from home. I often felt homesick and just wanted to pack my things and leave for a place that felt more comfortable and familiar.
The Grand Falls, New Brunswick product continues to pace the Spartan attack. Zackarie skates with pace offensively, and he along with linemates Kamyl Chemrouk and Ryan Dwyer are one of the top offensive combinations in prep hockey. His high motor and lethal shot continue to provide headaches for opposing defenders and goaltenders and has led to another successful month. The Spartans will count on Zackarie's consistent offensive play as they enter a busy month of January filled with strong New England and TNPHL league opponents.