On June 26 Bentley school students and staff were in for a treat.
Joseph Hackett, referred to as Mr. Joe, a Bentley grade 6, 7, 8, and 9 Educational Assistant (EA) had a number of his musically talented friends connected through Burman University in Lacombe (formerly Canadian University College) join with him in the elementary gymnasium in the morning to present a powerful musical performance.
A video put together by teacher Courtney MacMillan’s Grade 8 and 7/8 language arts class featured a number of students explaining, in front of a video camera, what the school logo PRIDE meant. PRIDE stands for Partnership, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.
It was followed by more from the jamming band of friends. At one point a special young Bentley student, Jaxon Zimmer, joined in singing with Mr. Joe and the band.
There was a surprise performance by a group of four talented young performers on stringed instruments, three from Lacombe and one from Red Deer, that are a part of the much larger Rosedale Valley Strings orchestra. The orchestra rehearses on the Burman University campus and is directed by Naomi Delafield, concertmaster of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. They performed the theme from Anne of Green Gables.
A special presentation of $560 was made to the Red Deer SPCA representatives Lisa and Eva. The money had been raised at the Jr. High Drama Class’s June 11 performance of the musical Annie Jr.
How fitting that Kelsey Vig who played “Annie” and Fine Arts Academy/ Director/Teacher teacher Marla Kolybaba made the presentation.
Lisa Ruether explained to the students that out of 40 neglected dogs they received from Milk River they just have a few left waiting for homes and that they appreciated having the involvement of young people caring about animals in distress. A donation of leashes, dog toys, pet dishes, etc had also been turned over to the SPCA.
Mr. Joe was presented with a Bentley Panthers school hoodie by school principal Lane Moore as Joe is not returning to the school in the fall. He is furthering his own education.
In the gymnasium after the noon break the school’s year end PRIDE awards were passed out with seven recipients from each classroom in grades 1-5 and eight for grades 6-11 receiving them.
Recipient’s names can be viewed on the school’s website under Newsletters.