Eight members and two teacher supervisors from John Paul II's SADD group attended a national SADD conference in Edmonton, Alta. April 19.
The group packed into a school van and were on the road before noon. After a stop in Lloydminster to eat lunch and shop for about an hour, and they continued their journey to Edmonton. After stopping to eat supper, the group finally arrived at the conference. After dropping off their luggage in their hotel rooms, the students and teachers headed down to the conference room to listen to Alvin Law's presentation on his life, bullying, and drinking and driving.
Friday, April 20 began with a breakfast buffet and a morning pump up from Team SADD to get the students' blood flowing.
Michael Buckingham spoke to the students about his life, and how he was affected by drinking and driving. Following Buckingham was Joan Parsons, who gave a touching presentation on the members of her family she lost due to impaired drivers.
The students and teachers then split into four small groups and attended separate workshops. After the workshops, the students ate lunch and then attended two more workshops.
The students were then given an early supper, and time to get ready to head to West Edmonton Mall. The students at the conference were given time to shop, and then everyone headed to the World Water Park. After a three-hour swimming session, the exhausted students headed back to the hotel to get a good night's sleep.
Saturday, Cory Johnson gave a presentation on how having cerebral palsy affected his life, as well as having a stroke at the age of 11.
Amanda Stuhl-Oling told the heartbreaking story of her father's death that was caused by an abusive alcoholic who chose to drive after a night at the bar. Stuhl-Oling struggled with the loss, as she was getting married not long after the time of the accident and her father wasn't there to give her away. The audience was teary-eyed after she showed a slideshow with pictures of her and her father before the accident, pictures of the accident, and wedding pictures.
Christy White, a woman disabled from her chest down, taught the students about how difficult it is to do everyday tasks such as going down stairs, eating and using the washroom. She also brought her children on stage and talked about what life is like for a disabled mother.
After lunch, the students headed back to the banquet hall and were greeted by Team SADD with an afternoon pump up.
D.O (Duane) Gibson gave an exciting presentation about his life and achieving but putting your best work towards it. Gibson is a rapper based in Toronto, Ont. Throughout his teen years, he dreamed of becoming a rapper, but was always told he couldn't make it by others. He worked as hard as he could towards becoming a rapper, and his dreams came true. Gibson also set the world record for longest freestyle rap.
He taught the students about his childhood, his college education and his musical achievements.
After the presentation, the students were given free time for the rest of the afternoon. That evening, a banquet was held in main hall for all students and teachers. Following the banquet was an Eras of Music themed dance party for the students to participate in.
Sunday, students were to wake up around 7 a.m. and pack their suitcases to prepare for the trip home. The students and teachers had an amazing time at the conference, and it's an experience that won't soon be forgotten.
