The school year is winding down with exams and graduations. A very exciting part of graduating from West Kildonan Collegiate for Kendra Wall is that she will be standing in front of her fellow classmates, teachers, friends, and family when she gives the valedictorian speech.

Kendra is a well-rounded, energetic, and self-proclaimed "loud" teenager. She describes herself as dedicated: "I see all tasks through to the end whether or not I’m a fan of it." She has been told that she always has a smile on her face, which was very prominent while talking with her. The driving force throughout her school years has been the continued support of her family.

Kendra describes West Kildonan Collegiate as her home away from home. "My comfy place," she says.

She has attended West Kildonan since Grade 9 and has been an active member in everything from theatre productions to a member of the student council and is a co-chair of the graduation committee. Kendra loves to read and is passionate about Ukrainian dancing, which she has taken part in since she was five.

Kendra says she is grateful for the education she has received and for her teachers. "I will miss my teachers the most."

Her favorite subject is math and she spoke of a fond memory from when she and a couple of friends made a cake in the shape of a unit circle for their math teacher, Suzanne Martin. "Ms. Martin is a highlight of my year!"

Math will serve Kendra well as she goes on to study at the University of Manitoba with plans to go into nursing.

 Her advice to fellow students is to make "high school fun and memorable" and to "put yourself out there and get involved with as many things as you can. You will make new friends and find passions."

❑ ❑ ❑

Riverbend Readers at Ecole Riverbend Community School for youngsters five or younger will be taking a break for the summer. The program will resume on Wed., Sept. 19 at 6:15 p.m.

Christina Hiebert is a community correspondent for Riverbend and Rivergrove. You can contact her at christina.hiebert@gmail.com.