RUNDLE ACADEMY ALUMNI #updates

ollowing high school, Kathleen O’Neil 2008 enrolled into the Disabilities Studies program at Mount Royal University. During

her second year of study, Kathleen had the opportunity to work at two practicums - Janus Academy for students with autism and Renfrew Educational Services at the Janice McTighe Centre. In the spring of 2011, Kathleen graduated with a Disabilities Studies Diploma.

During her six years at Rundle Academy, figure skating was a huge part of Kathleen’s extracurricular activities and continued throughout university. In 2014, she performed in the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Enmax Ice Show as a professional figure skater. The Ice Show reaffirmed her love to perform, thus beginning her audition process for Disney on Ice. At the same time Kathleen also worked in a kindergarten classroom at Renfrew.

Kathleen then worked part-time for Autism Partnership in homes and in

classrooms with children. Kathleen continued to coach and teach skating at the University of Calgary, the City of Calgary, and the Calgary Winter Club.

“...with hard work and determination, anything is

possible. It may have taken a long time to get to the highest shelf, but it is so worth it in the end!”

Kathleen auditioned numerous times for Disney on Ice and in June of 2015 was offered a position in the show, “Disney On Ice Presents Dare to Dream!” Kathleen toured for seven months in North America and is currently on tour again this year.

“Disney on Ice has been on the top of my shelves, sometimes out of sight, but never out of mind, so to speak. In attending Rundle Academy I was taught there are many shelves to go through, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible. It may have taken a long time to get to the highest shelf, but it is so worth it in the end!”

Kathleen O’Neil 2008

2000’s

Congrats to Alumnus Robin Darsi 2001 on his

new business - The North on Centre Public House

located at 2820 Centre st NE, Calgary! Come by

and enjoy his sports bar!

Alumnus Derek Kemp 2005 - 2017 Academy Graduation Ceremony shared some advice with our Class of 2017:

1. “Respect others and their opinions. It’s impossible to go through life without meeting or working with someone who has different opinions than you. It’s important to keep an open mind and understand their point of view and where they are coming from. Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences and there is something that can be learned from that. You may change your own opinion or you may not after talking to them, but you will have a more well-rounded view of the situation.

2. It’s okay to fail. Learn from your mistakes and take criticism without getting upset.

3. Learn Microsoft Excel. The world runs on Excel. Trust me on this one!”

After graduating from Rundle Academy, Jordan Lehto 2007 enrolled in the Petroleum Engineering Technology program at SAIT. Within a year, he decided that the program was not right for him and began to work in a few other industries instead. Jordan found that sales was an area that he was passionate about. Jordan enrolled in the Business Administration program at SAIT. After three years of working for Michael Hill Jewellers, Jordan is now running his own store at Parkland Mall in Red Deer, Alberta.

“Once I started attending Rundle Academy, I realized that all of a sudden my binders were organized and my assignments were being handed in on time. In my first semester, I was awarded Honours with Distinction for my academics. The smaller class sizes allowed the teachers to take a more hands-on approach to my learning.

The basketball program gave me an opportunity to be a leader. In my three years at Rundle, I was the leader of a team that went from barely putting five people on the court, to winning the City Championship in dominating fashion in my senior year. Not only did we win that championship, but when we went to Provincials ranked 16th out of 16 teams. We came home in 7th place! I am very proud of that banner and all the guys who came with me on that ride.

It has been nine years since I left Rundle and I recently married my soulmate this past September. Rundle Academy gave me the opportunity to build the self-confidence needed to achieve the success that I have today. The school motto is, “Move Mountains,” and I truly believe this place helped me move my own mountains.”

2000’s continued

Congrats to Alumnus Kelsey Flower 2008, who put all his energy into the web show, “My Imaginary ExGirlfriend!” His hard work paid off as the show has been officially accepted into the 2017 Hollywood WebFest in L.A!

After leaving Rundle Academy, Kristina Florendine 2008 enrolled in the

Mount Royal Broadcast Journalism program and graduated in 2011.

In the following years, she worked at many local television and radio stations. (X92.9, City TV, Golden West Radio and AMP Radio 90.3)

Over the past three years, Kristina has travelled to London, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Hurghada, (Egypt), Costa Rica, and Volograd (Stalingrad). In October, she completed the golf season managing the Banquet Hall at The Springbank Links Golf Course where she organized

weddings and golf tournaments. In the new year, she has an opportunity to work in London, England on an Ancestry Visa.

After graduating high school, Alexis Demecha 2009 attended the University of Lethbridge where she completed her first degree in neuroscience. Alexis had many great opportunities there, and was lucky enough to publish two neuroscience research papers and attended numerus international academic research conferences. While in Lethbridge, Alexis began to develop a love for the outdoors and travelling. She became an avid rock climber, mountaineer, mountain biker and backcountry skier. After a couple of years working in neuroscience research, Alexis decided she needed a break to pursue more outdoor activities. She left her job and travelled around South America. When Alexis returned, she gave research another chance and started a management position at the University of Calgary. After one year of research and as much outdoor adventures as her job would allow, she decided it was time for a change. Alexis wanted a career that would give her more freedom to pursue more outdoor adventures. Alexis decided going back to school and changing careers would give her the flexibility and freedom she was looking for. Alexis is in her last year of the Bachelor of Nursing degree program at the University of Calgary. Upon graduation as a registered nurse, Alexis plans to move to BC and start her second career.

2010’s continued

“Rundle Academy allowed me the opportunity to receive individualized attention and learn in a family community.”

A message to future graduates: “Do not give up on following your dreams!”

Katie Evans 2010

After graduating from Rundle Academy, Katie Evans 2010 enrolled in a variety

of human resources and social work courses, but decided to pursue the Fashion Marketing program at Olds College.

Katie then opened up her own business and followed her passion in fashion.

Katie launched The Clothing Bar because she wanted a place to shop where she felt like she was a part of something. She felt choices of budget shopping were limited to Value Village or Goodwill. The Clothing Bar offers so much more - a

place for community, a place for local talent, and a place to feel like you have a second closet to run to in times of need.

Katie has also worked with multiple charities, raising money during events and donating unsold clothing. She tries to get involved with the local small

business community as much as she can. Check out Katie’s website and Fashion Blog through her ownership of the The Clothing Bar in Marda Loop, Calgary.

clothingbarboutique.ca.

Congrats to alumnus Sean Molle 2011 on winning a silver

medal at the Canadian Senior Wrestling Championship!

Sean is currently attending Simon Fraser University and wrestling for the SFU Clan.

Lidia Jones 2011 graduated this spring from Acadia University in Wolfville, NS with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. While completing her undergraduate degree, she was also heavily involved in academic and on-campus initiatives. Lidia was a Teacher’s Assistant for a number of courses; she assisted the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department as a Research Assistant, and also led the Acadia Students’ Union as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Lidia is thrilled to now be moving home to Calgary to begin her career.

After graduating from Rundle Academy, Kaylee Miller 2011 attended the University of British Columbia in the Okanagan and graduated last year with degree in sociology.

Kaylee is currently working as an Inclusion Facilitator for STEPS FORWARD; a program that ensures students with developmental disabilities are coherently included in the academic and social life of colleges and universities in British Columbia.

Kaylee also spent time volunteering in Ghana at the Achiase Children’s Home as an assistant, playing games with the children and helping them with their homework.

The Rundle College community is heartbroken over the recent and sudden passing on April

30, 2017 of Rundle Academy graduate Payton Budd 2016. Payton had just completed his first year in psychology at the University of Victoria.

During high school, Payton was an avid athlete; playing on the football, volleyball

and basketball teams. He was a bright spark

that could make everyone laugh with his witty sense of humour. Payton was a generous friend to many and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten, by his many friends and

teachers alike.

“It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.”

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