PACCNOWTHE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF PEARSON ADULT AND CAREER CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 06.20.12ST. VINCENT> P.3 GRADS’ STORIES > P.4

ROGER J. IRVING ON SAVING THE WORLD P4

WEASKEDPACC honours 2012 gradsLast Thursday, June 14, was a day of celebration for many current and former PACC students. The evening kicked off at a little before 7 PM for this year’s graduates as they met on the third floor to receive their gowns and ceremonial mortarboards (a square h a t w i t h t a s s e l , w o r n b y graduates), as well as participate in group photos.

At 7 PM, a line of grads started to file into the auditorium, to the thunderous applause of their families and friends who had come to celebrate their success with them, and took their reserved seats up front. Following a brief introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, Shiela Sachdeva, the speeches began. Among the honoured speakers were school staff members, such as Centre Director Ann Moran, Assistant Centre Director Maggie Soldano, representatives from the Lester B. Pearson School Board, and this year’s valedictorian, Christopher Forrester.

The s tuden t s were fu r the r honoured with awards from school s t a f f , c e l e b r a t i n g t h e i r accomplishments and rewarding their efforts and perseverance, and then awards from teachers for students who excelled at their various subjects.

Christopher Forrester, PACC Now

Fave summer song?

21% Call Me Maybe Carly Rae JepsenSource 44 students- interviewed June 18

Were you aware Justin Bieberattended PACC?

Then it was time for the grads to file on to the stage to receive the diplomas they had worked so hard to earn. They were also surprised with ceremonial pens, adorned with the PACC logo and “Graduation 2012”.

As the ceremony came to a close, both the students and their guests were invited back upstairs for a small celebration in their honour, where they were served cake to the sound of live classical music. Good times were had while the evening came to a close, with many classmates reunited after many months, and many photos taken. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a balloon left over from the event, hiding in a corner or crevice on the third floor.

PACC 2012 Grads including Melissa Ross (second from left ) and Christopher Forrester (third from left) at their grad celebration PHOTO COURTESY -CHRIS FORRESTER

O’Neil Kadeem Spencer and teacher Ashley Daniel Foot at PACC’s 2012 grad. PHOTO- Alisha Tathgur

DOING OUR DREAM JOBSNatasha Reid & Sarah Lucier Boisvert share their thoughts on working at PACC and argue over how to spend a million....KAMIL WATSON reportsYou know, Natasha Reid of room 332 and Sarah Lucier Boisvert of room 335 don’t just have to deal with us h i g h l y e n e r g i z e d students raiding their offices in and out in groups at a t ime, harassing them every day with ridiculous q u e s t i o n s . . . T h e y actually work for a n o n – p r o f i t organization, hired by the Lester B. Pearson School Board called Destination Travail Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi Lasalle, where they help the residents of Montreal from the ages of 16 to 35, in a wide variety ways; even if you’re looking for a job. They have r e s o u r c e s a n d

c o m p u t e r s f o r e m p l o y m e n t searching and are there to help you if you need tips on making a curriculum vitae or even if you need to make a call, fax, or print, they are there.

Both Natasha and Sarah are University graduates. Natasha g r a d u a t e d f r o m C o n c o r d i a University with a M a j o r i n C h i l d Studies and a Minor in Spanish, while Sarah has a degree in Psychology from the University de Montreal.

SEE “DREAM” on pg 2 ------>

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PACCINSIDERDREAM from page 2

p r o f i t o rg a n i z a t i o n helping women around the world.

Some suggestions they would like to bring to the school would be a mini Olympics, where PACC students and staff show off their athletic abilities and as well as having a PACC pajama day!Before Natasha dies she wants to go to Hawaii. Sarah said that she wants to see world peace before she dies. Natasha then said, “World peace will not happen, just come to Hawaii with me”.Their friendship and generous hearts are inspiring to all of us here at PACC. We should all be so fortunate in life to have co-workers who work so well together. We want to send you a HUGE thank you from the bottom of our hearts for always being our shoulder to cry on, our t h e r a p i s t s , o u r counse lors and our Revune Quebec Secret Agents. Your dedication has meant the world to a l l the s tudents on Emploi -Quebec and those of us part of Ma P l a c e A u S o l e i l . THANK YOU!

NEWS > PEOPLE > PETS

Natasha came from a high school where she was an integration aide f o r s t u d e n t s w i t h disabilities and Sarah has worked at different shelters for women in crisis and who face conjugal violence. In an in-depth interview conducted with Sarah and Natasha, I asked them each questions that they would have to answer on behalf of each other.When asked what they would do with a million d o l l a r s t h e y b o t h responded the same; both would love to travel around the world but hesitated on the amount money that they would donate to various charities. As for their favorite place to eat N a t a s h a ’s f a v o r i t e restaurant is Wendy’s, while Sarah tries to convince Natasha that We n d y ’s i s n o t a restaurant, Sarah loves L ’ a t e l i e r o n S t . L a u r e n t … a r e a l restaurant where your food does not come on a tray or a bag. When asked what they don’t like about each other (seeing as they spend so much time together) Sarah said that she hates when Natasha buys things that she doesn’t need. Natasha responded by saying, “ What do you mean you d o n ’ t l i k e m y generosity because I am always buying you t h i n g s ! ” N a t a s h a doesn’t like Sarah, because she is always laughing at her .Both said that their dream job is right here at PACC. In 10 years Natasha sees herself in the same field but owning a daycare and having a family with 2 kids, both a boy and a girl. Sarah wants to open her own non-

Editor in Chief - Melissa RossManaging Editor- Paolo Mancuso

Editorial Page Editor- Christopher ForresterArts Editor- El Rico MercuryFashion Editor- Nasheca James

Senior Columnists- Roger J. Irvine

Natasha Reid and PACC Student Services tech Kris Tellier. FACEBOOK

PACC celebrates Aboriginal DayThere was an Aboriginal Day celebration in the auditorium on June 19th. Students had the opportunity to watch and participate in the cultural activites which included traditional drumming and dancing.

There was also a special guest speaker, Cheryl Lahache, who shared her personal story, captivating the audience with tales of overcome abuse and self esteem issues. PACC students services technician Kristina Tellier hosted and organized this fantastic event. files from Kristina Tellier

A cruel truth: mistreated pets existMelissa Ross, PACC Now

There are many unjust truths in the world, but none quite as cruel as taking advantage of the weak or the ones left with no defence. There are people who desperately search for authority and power, in a society where animal rights barely exist and harming animals has been brought down to the level of a joke thousands of innocent animals face this daily here in Quebec.Judith, a dog who had no love or comfort for 10 years of her life, is a perfect example of this unjustified cruelty. Judith, whose first owners originally called her Judas, was left chained outside for 10 years with no food, water, or shelter of any sort.The neighbours told the Society for Protection of Animals (SPA) upon rescue of this dog that they had called animal rescue many times for many years and no one came to help her. The neighbours also reported that they had seen the owners urinating on her many times from the porch.When SPA rescued her she was covered from waist down in mud and feces. The mats on her legs were some of the worst they had seen and after removing them, Judith was finally able to wag her tail, and she finally had a reason to. For the first time she was receiving the love and care she so desperately deserved and spent her first night in a warm safe bed.She was later adopted by a loving family, who changed her name to Judith. Another family donated a cart for her crippling arthritis that had taken over her hind legs so her feet would not be scraped raw. Judith’s time before this no longer mattered at all and

in those last 18 months of her life, she caught up on all the years she missed. Judith may have had a happy ending but there are many animals that are not so lucky. If you know anyone that is mistreating their pets, please contact SPA CANADA 514 .808 .7330 info@spacanada.org ,

We’re having a heatwave...PACC’s air conditioning system will be working overtime as a heat wave sweeps across Montréal. Highs of over 30°C become blistering, with the humidity making that feel like well over 40°C.A l t h o u g h u n p l e a s a n t f o r everyone, this kind of heat is especially dangerous for the elderly and infirm who cannot handle the heat as well as younger, healthier people. Even for the young, heat stroke is a serious risk during the sweltering days ahead while enjoying outdoor activities or exercising. Experts recommend staying out of t h e s u n , s e e k i n g o u t a i r conditioned buildings if available, as well as drinking plenty of water.L a s t y e a r , t h e h e a t w a s responsible for over 10 deaths. Keep cool. - Chris Forrester

Senior Reporters- Kamil Watson, Deanna Brading

WEDNESDAY 06.20.12

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PACCLIFEPACCBEATS > ERIC SILCOFF

MUSIC > TRAVEL > GOSSIP > COMICS

PACC > THE MIXUP with MEL WMelissa Wallach, special to PACC NOW

BEAUTIFUL ST VINCENT....Dorean Haywood and Nikisha Braithwaite PACC Now

This past weekend at a Radiohead show in Toronto a man was killed when the scaffold-like structure collapsed from about 50 feet overhead, the man was later identified as the bands drum tech Scott Johnson who was in his 30s. Authorities said he was pinned and killed he was pronounced dead on the scene. Another man was also injured in the accident authorities said that his head injury was not life-threatening. Two other men with minor injuries were treated and released. The band released a statement about their fallen roadie “the band is shattered by Johnson's loss” also stating "He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew. We will miss him very much." Radiohead will continue to tour over the summer.

Follow Eric Silcoff on Twitter: @IAmNocx

Radiohead in a publicity photo / AP PHOTO

• Mrs. Pat is married to Mr. Jamaica 1985.

• Kristina was rejected from So You Think You Can Dance due to being 50 years old.

• John is ready for the Apocalypse with his cellar full of food, water and History books.

• Brian will be attending the 2012-2013 NHL draft… we are not certain in what capacity.

• We hear that David and Peter are busy watching the Euro Cup….We wonder if they will watch Brian in the NHL…

• El Rico’s girlfriend is still unknown… we are investigating.

• Harriett is joining the travelling play of “Of Mice and Men”… details to follow.

• Jean is working on her Math Machine.

• Shiela was so good at hosting PACC grad that the Oscars have invited her to host and take over for Billy Crystal… She is still in negotiations.

• Amanda needs a receptionist of her own… we are taking applications.

• Rebecca recently completed a triathlon. She-ra!

Two fabulous spots to visit in our beautiful homeland of St Vincent and the Grenadines:

La Soufriere

This is a massive active volcano that takes up the northern third of the Island of St Sincent. It rises majestically over 4000 feet. and last erupted in April 1979, its name comes from the french word “soufre” which means sulphur. La Soufriere volcano is a challenging uphill hike which take you along the picturesque wind word coast of the island to the crater; you can then continue downward to the village of Chateaubelair in this all day excursion.

Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens were founded in the 1768 as a commercial breeding ground for plants brought from the other parts of the world. It is believed to be the oldest such garden in the western hemisphere. Here you will find intricate and rare species of plants, flowers, and trees including a breadfruit three from the original plant brought by Captain Bligh in 1793. Beautiful smells will greet your lucky nostrils!

Also check out: Owia Salt Pond, Black and white sand beaches, Basil’s Beach Bar

WEDNESDAY 06.20.12

St Vincent Tourism

MY PACC > NASHECA JAMES

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PACCLASTWORDMY THOUGHTS > ROGER J. IRVINE

Is it really true that something you throw out could be somebody else’s long lost treasure? If it were, our little blue planet would have to be the richest in all the galaxy; we would all have treasure beyond i m a g i n a t i o n ! S a d l y nothing could be further from the truth. All we need is to take a good h a r d a n d - - m o s t importantly--honest look at our beautiful but severe ly suffoca ted planet and the rest will b e c o m e e a s y t o understand! Our garbage in all its forms has come back to bite us right in the butt, our treasure has lost its luster! The air we breath has become a toxic cocktail of chemicals brought on m o s t l y b y m o d e r n industry, which most but not all are constantly e m i t t i n g i n t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a t a n alarming rate. The signs though sometimes subtle can be seen everywhere. Things like the “Air Quality Index” which is displayed daily on the Weather Network, to the depletion of our ozone and the expansion of the worlds desserts due to global warming. It's not so much what we see, but what we don’t see! Our oceans which carry vital nutrients such as plankton from one part of the globe to the other now also carry h a r d p l a s t i c s , Polyethylene bags and micro-plastics which h a r b o r B i s p h e n a l A ( B PA ) w h i c h c a n

possibly have a link to infertility and antimony which is similar to lead. We have radioactive waste and a large host of other man made poisons which through our own i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , insensibility and ignorance have managed to find their way into our oceans, fish, and of course us.

Much of our farming soil h a s b e c o m e a contaminated saturated slue of pesticides which we use regularly and repeatedly year, after year, after year! As we ingest our fruits and vegetables I question just how much of these chemicals are being absorbed into our bodies? Even the once untouchable outer space now has a g l i m m e r i n g m e t a l l i c hallow which encompasses our planet in near space orbit. Is there nowhere we can go that doesn’t hold our junk? When will it end? Maybe, when we free ourselves and our minds, perhaps then we as a p o p u l o u s c a n s t a n d together for our greater good. Hopefully that day will soon come, a day when we all can abandon our narcissistic, narrow minded thinking, rid ourselves of our “junk” to truly see our treasure which is right here in front of us for all to see.

publisher’s note:By not using plastic bags you are making a strong s t e p t o p r o t e c t o u r environment. Do it!

“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” really?

MY PACC > JANINE GUYComing back to s c h o o l w a s a l w a y s m y number one goal, I w a s e v e r y ecstatic when I h a d t h e opportuni ty to s t a r t s c h o o l

especially at PACC. I started at PACC in August 2010, It wasn’t an easy ride there were days when I didn’t feel like going to school but I remember the reason why I started in the first place I just kept going.

I must say a big thank you to all the teachers who pushed me to be the great individual that I am today: Mariette and Patrick for being my best math teachers, they had a lot of patience with me because math was my weakest subject. Ms Pat for making sure I’m always on the right path, to my favourite teacher Mr Foot who always put up with all my antics, also to Natasha Reid who I

can always rely on when I need someone to talk to.

Now I’m almost at the end of my journey I just graduated, it’s such a great feeling all my hopes and dreams are falling into place. I will be finishing school school in December and will be applying for college in January where I’ll be p l ann ing to s tudy ing ea r ly childhood education. It was a roller coaster ride but it was all worth it…The sky is my limit always dream big!

Being a single mother makes the job even harder,but my main aim is always to work hard to achieve a better life for my son and I. As I started this journey of going back to school it affected my whole life plan I had before for my future. Many people might look from the outside and think it's an easy journey,but sometimes I sit and cry when things get difficult.

On June 14th 2012,being a graduate here at PACC proved me wrong,that all my hard work and effort has paid off. I'm indeed proud of myself and all the other single mothers here at PACC.We are all proud parents who set educational goals in order to provide a better living for our families. For all single mothers, it is sometimes a long and arduous process but always remember those who persevere are true heroes and role models.

Jay, I am so proud of you! I witnessed your perseverance in four separate classes which I had the pleasure to teach you in. I know how hard you worked on the research paper in English 5-2; and, I watched you prepare your oral presentations. But more than that, I got to hear you talk about your future with confidence. Seeing you, and the other grads that I’ve had the pleasure to teach this year, on graduation night made me sing for joy. And I did. And I will continued to do so. I hope you do too. I know this wasn’t easy. The good stuff rarely is. Keep the mix up going.

Break a leg (in the theatre, it means good luck)

Mr Foot

Nasheca, To do what you have done is not easy. You are a fabulously strong woman and it’s been a complete honour to see you gain the confidence you will need to conquer whatever profession or industry you choose. By making the strong choices you’ve made in education- you are supporting not just yourself but your son. I am totally blown away by your tenacity. You are utterly amazing. Break legs (see above), Señor Foot