Each year Olds High School sets aside a Friday evening in late September to honour its best. It starts at 7 p.m. on the nose and ends precisely at 8:30 p.m. This was its third year at the TransCanada Theatre in Olds.
What happens in between is remarkable. This year $133,100 was awarded to hard-working students and emcee principal Tom Christensen referred to the 2011 Grade 12 class as having some of the best overall scores he's ever seen. The $93,000 presented in Rutherford scholarships confirms his comments.
It's tough to pigeonhole a successful student. Bright minds come in all shapes and sizes. Clothing styles remain equally inconsistent – from skinny jeans and sneakers to shirts, ties and shiny shoes. The only common thread seems to be a desire to learn and a strong ability to do so.
The awards evening not only pays homage to academic prowess but places equal emphasis on students who demonstrate proficiency in arts and non-academic pursuits. Businesses, service clubs, families, and generous individuals all contribute to worthy students.
Woodrow Judkins, a 1934 Olds High School graduate with a keen mind and a big heart, left a legacy that will outlive most of us. He acquired his many academic degrees in the United States, where he lived, taught and eventually died in 2002, after amassing a small fortune. He never forgot his roots, his early education, and, after living through a depression, the value of a dollar. Mr. Christensen reminded us Friday that Mr. Judkins continued to live a modest life up until the end.
After his death, the most noteworthy contents found in his small, Las Vegas apartment included two suits, a kitchen table and a 12-inch television.
He left his $4-million estate to Pepperdine University, Purdue University, UCLA, and Olds High School. The $500,000 legacy he left Olds provided $30,000 to worthy students this year.
This year's event included three new awards. The Behind the Scenes Award is offered to a student with strong background in volunteerism at school, especially in the area of arts. The Reel Volunteer Award is offered to a graduate who has performed and supported school and community initiatives as a volunteer. The Olds Firefighters' Award is awarded to a student involved in community and school activities.
I look forward to next year's event.
