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OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 5, 2009 · 16 Off and away after four great years By Valerie Shepherd GR. 12, T. A. BLAKELOCK H. S. C ongratulations, today is your day, you're off to great places, you're off and away." It is officially the last month, of my last year at T.A. Blakelock High School. After being here for four years, I have met a bunch of new friends and learned a surprising amount about both school and life, all the while making some of the best memories I will never forget. My Mum always told me that a "stranger was only a friend you haven't met." I remember thinking that she was crazy the first time she told me that, but coming into Blakelock in Grade 9, I had been around the same group of students for the previous nine years. We were now being faced with students from at least four other schools. As intimidating as it seemed, it wasn't long before I was sitting at lunch with handfuls of new people. The friendships you make in high school are some of the strongest bonds you will encounter. Don't get me wrong, there are always fights, but you do your best to work your way through them. Sometimes they work out, other times you're not so lucky. But you move on, because that's what you have to do. My friends have gotten me through the past couple of years; I don't know what I would have done without them. The classes I've taken in the past four years have been a riot. Most of them at least. Electives are always the best. American history, Canadian and International Law, World issues. Each class has provided me with new insight into many things --and a fabulous field trip! Last year, in American History, I was lucky enough to go down to Boston to see the sights. Last semester I went to Maplehurst Correctional Centre. Let me tell you I will never forget that trip! This past March was unforgettable. With 89 other students and six of the best teachers around, we went to New York City. It was definitely one of those trips that you will remember forever. Spending time with friends, in the city that never sleeps, is never boring! The last four years, have been more fun than I could have imagined. From classes with friends, to meeting new people, from pranks we pull, to people who prank us, there have been so many fun and funny moments that I will never forget. Don't get me wrong it's not all rainbows and ponies, I have had my fair share of tough events, but I'm a firm believer in what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. This is it my friends, it is our time to move on. We will miss it more than we think, but it is the end. Going in all different directions, our lives begin now. "You've got brains in your head, you've got feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose." I wish you all the best of luck! Walk repays hospital for the gift of life Continued from page 11 While bears were a concern in some of the more hilly areas of Pennsylvania, Brownsberger is relieved he did not come across any, although a few overlyaggressive dogs gave him plenty of excitement. Some of the drivers Brownsberger shared the road with also provided him with a few moments of concern. "The road shoulder is sometimes eight or 10 feet wide in Pennsylvania, but up in the mountains it's about 11 inches wide. That's 11 inches between the transports, the white line, myself and the guard rail," he said. While Brownsberger accumulated many memories along the way, probably the greatest thing about the trip is that he was able to undertake it, a feat that still amazes him. The journey has also been an amazing experience for Margaret, not only because it has caused her to lose 12 pounds, but because it has truly shown the extent of her husband's recovery from his heart surgery. "If you had seen him a year ago and seen how weak he was when he was just beginning rehab, to hear him say (he wanted to do this walk) was so fabulous," she said. "You really wonder what's going to happen, will the person ever be the same and just to see what he's doing and the hope that that brings is just so great." Brownsberger expects to make it to Stouffville on Thursday, June 11, at around 4 p.m. Donations are still needed for Brownsberger to reach his goal of $22,000. Donations can be made at www.sunnybrookfoundation.ca (click events, click trail, click donate).