Hughie and Coltton cherish time at DTSS

By Julia Magsombol Local Journalism Initiative julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Like Jim Croce’s Time in a Bottle, two Shuswap Band graduates have lasting memories of their fantastic time at David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS).

"It just feels so real, like graduating, to be honest," said Hughie Nokleby-Johnson, an aspiring filmmaker.

"I'm excited but a little nervous moving on to the next chapter," said Coltton Johnson, a graduate who wants to work in the computer industry.

But going back in time, the grads cherished their time at DTSS.

Hughie said they had the best teachers who were always there to support them or just listen when they needed someone to talk to.

"I think the school did a really good job, especially in the past year. They made sure that everyone was ready to move on — to get prepared for other stuff," Coltton added.

Like many fellow students at DTSS, the two graduates struggled with the same problems — stress and anxiety, especially during the pandemic.

"Like you heard, it's going to be easy, but after a while, it just gets more stressful. Not being able to see people didn't help the situation," Hughie said.

"The quarantine stuff made it a little harder," Coltton added.

To manage stress, Hughie listens to music and watches his favourite films, and he offers this advice to his fellow students: "Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't feel like you're alone. It's okay.”

Another concern that Hughie and Coltton grapple with is racism and gender inequality. Hughie said he doesn't totally understand these problems. "Why can't we all just be like humans," he stated emphatically. "I want to teach the younger [students] that it's okay to be different."

Hughie also hopes to have more peace and acceptance in the world.

As for their future plans, Hughie’s desire is to attend SAIT, and Coltton hopes to attend the University of Calgary or Mount Royal University.

Before their graduation, they both learned something valuable at DTSS. "Be there for the people that need you to be there and be nice to the people you care about," Hughie said.

And Coltton stated: "I learned a lot about people and how to be a good person. Upon serious reflection, he admitted wanting to go back to Grade 8 to experience high school all over again.