GRADE 12 FEATURES These Two...They Turned out Alright

It was my first year at Aberdeen Hall. Like any new teacher I came into this place with an excited nervousness about what this job would bring, and how the kids would respond to me (more specifically my abundance of poorly timed dad jokes). Also starting their first year at Aberdeen Hall were a set of twins coming from my neck of the woods in Alberta. Unlike me, these two platinum blonde kids showed no evidence that they were nervous for their start. They hit the ground running making friends that they still have to this day, and earning the admiration of their teachers which still very much persists.

Although I am sure they faced their share of challenges, like anyone who is new does, Connor and Meagan Corrigan did what they do best - be resilient in the face of obstacles. That, among many other things, are qualities I admire in both of the Corrigans.

Meagan has this unique ability to make you smile, without doing anything. She enters a room, and you know that there will be laughter. Sometimes at her expense, being the goofball she is, but mostly because she brightens up any space she is in. She is a remarkable athlete, receiving several offers to swim at post secondary institutions, and devoting her time to coaching our little aspiring swimmers in the Junior School. Meagan is a dedicated student, and I have been fortunate to spend several mornings with her, reviewing Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Despite my uncanny bad luck with my computer and projector working in the mornings, she remains ever calm, ever patient, ever smiling. I will miss the chaos of those mornings. The accolade that can tell you all you need to know about Connor is that he has captained every rugby team he has played for at Aberdeen Hall. From Grade 7 to his Senior year. Connor is not the boisterous type of leader, nor is he the rah rah get everyone hyped up type of leader, but he is the type of person who will show you exactly how it needs to be done. Despite his athletic prowess, he does not say a word about himself, rather he uses it to inspire his teammates, and the next generation, donating his time generously to coaching our Middle School Rugby team. He is the kind of leader I would follow into battle.

All this is to say, I am truly proud of what these two have accomplished since they first walked through these walls with me in their Grade 6 year. Both of the Corrigans have found their way to tropical post secondary institutions - Meagan is on her way to the University of Hawaii where she will soak up the surfing, sunshine and hopefully a bit of school. Connor is on his way to the University of Calgary where he undoubtedly will continue to be a leader on their varsity rugby team, should he decide to pursue it. [continued on next page]

As a new dad, I can say with confidence that I would buy the Stacey and Dean Corrigan book of parenting, as I would be proud for my daughter to have the qualities that those two exhibit. Despite being raised as Calgary Flames fans, Meagan and Connor turned out pretty solid.

Connor Corrigan University of Calgary

Major/Program: Kinesiology

What are your career goals?

I don’t really know what exactly I want to do yet, I just know I want to work with athletes.

When did you start at Aberdeen Hall? Grade 6, so 2016

How do you think your time at Aberdeen Hall has prepared you for post-secondary?

I think working with such good teachers who are willing to go the extra mile in supporting you has helped with my education the most.

Tell us about an accomplishment you’re proud of.

I recently got an invite to try out for the u-18 team Canada rugby team.

Congratulations on everything you have accomplished, Meagan and Connor. Your contributions to the school, and my life, won’t soon be forgotten.