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PERSPECTIVEV O L . 2 2 N O . 2 / S P R I N G 1 4

BURSARY BANQUET 2014

The Spring Bursary Banquet thispast May was not just a tripdown memory lane, with three

generations of Westgaters sharing howtheir lives have been affected by theireducation and community at Westgate,but also a very generous looking forward.Over $47.000 was raised in support ofthe Bursary Fund for our schoolcommunity. This money willallow Westgate to continue to grow adiverse and caring community.

We are very grateful for all who came outand to all who donated before theevent, at the event and even afterwards.The prizes also brought in a record

amount of money and for this we arevery grateful to all our generous donors.Please consider supporting those whosupport our school.

CORPORATE DONORSBeaver Bus LinesCrosstown Credit UnionDeloitteFehr Way ToursGondola PizzaInvestors GroupLoewen & Martens Law OfficesMennonite Foundation of CanadaRedhouse Design Security DecoratingThe Standard Press

Stefan Home BuildersWinnipeg Building & DecoratingWinter's Collision Repair

INDIVIDUAL DONORSIrene FroeseRichard and Charlene KlassenHenry and Hilde Neustaedter

PRIZE DONORSJake and Jean RempelBonaventure TravelRalph and Jan Regehr at Pineridge HollowRudy and Glenda PennerAlbert and Hilda ToewsMarlborough HotelCasa Grande PizzeriaGlenn and Alanda PennerKurt and Sandra NeustaedterBrenda Brydges at Brydges Property ManagementNeil Craton at Legacy Sports Medicine Bridges Golf and Country ClubHoward Wiebe at Big Sand Clothing Co.Sky ZoneKathy PankratzFoort Bruinooge at Foam SolutionsGreg Evans, Luke Enns, Jake Enns, Myron Thiessen-Martens of Say Uncle

Lindsay UngerJudy Slivinski at the Winnipeg Art GalleryVal PankratzGrant and Ingrid Forzley at Artistic ImpressionsRey Pagé Carol Gaeke Franz Bob Hummelt and the Westgate Board �

Jake and Jean Rempel Anthony (’03) and Haley (Thiessen ’04)Kasdorf with their son, Max.

Westgate Senior Jazz Band performing at the banquet.

Henry Thiessen congratulates Jake Fast (’16) on a fine banquet speech. Jake’sfather, Jonathan Fast (’88), is at right.

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Twelve nights on the road, onein a hostel, three as guests inpeople’s homes in Vancouver,

three in hotels, two at a camp on PenderIsland, and three in a universityresidence. Experiencing green grass andlush vegetation on the coast while itsnowed back home. Exploring LynnCanyon, Stanley Park and GranvilleIsland, sharing of meals, eating meals attruck stops, three ferry rides, a one-and-a-half hour cruise on school boats, hikingup to the top of a mountain on PenderIsland, five school concerts, one worshipservice, two community concerts, ashowcase concert and a mass choir andband concert as part of the CAMSweekend in Calgary. Experiencing astampede lunch in snowy Calgary. Whatthis all adds up to is a lot of communitybuilding. Thank you to the students andstaff for a fabulous music tour. �

MUSIC TOUR TO B.C. AND ALBERTA APRIL 23 – MAY 5

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DEFINITELY NOT THE TOUR

While the music tour wasbusy performing inWestern Canada, students

back at home were enjoying a week ofalternative classes. Students experienceda wide variety of activities, includingscuba lessons, used book tours and anintroduction to judo. Grade 10 studentJake Fast joined his grandfather, Calculusinstructor Henry Fast, to share theirknowledge of that sport.

One of the more unique activities mighthave been aspen girdling. A small groupof grade 12 students, accompanied byTracy LeClair, were led by the NatureConservancy of Canada in a practicedesigned to save the Tall Grass PrairieEcosystem in Manitoba. There is less than0.5% of this highly endangeredecosystem left in North America, and part

of its conservation includes managing thegrowth of aspen trees, which – withoutnatural predators – can take over andprohibit the survival of other endangered

species within the same ecosystem. Theaspen trees are stripped of a section ofbark, to both kill the tree and prevent itfrom reproducing. Educational and fun! �

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For the first time in recent history (or at least as long as we can remember), our two major Varsity sports ofbasketball and volleyball accomplished something historic. Both our boys and girls volleyball and basketballteams captured our Zone Championships in the same school year. This, of course, sent all our Varsity teams toProvincial Championships, where our teams earned three medals – two gold and one bronze. Way to go Wings!

BASKETBALLHIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to our basketballteams on another successfulseason.

Our JV teams competed well in leagueplay, but came up short in the playoffs.Our Varsity Girls captured their first SCACChampionship ever, defeating WindsorPark in the finals. The girls had a goodshowing at Provincials, losing in a closeConsolation Final to the U of W Collegiate.

And our Varsity Boys managed a repeat,capturing the AAA banner for the second

year in a row. Led by Ben Miller (aboutwhom you can read more in otherPerspective news), the team’s grade 12participation was evident in the shootingof Justin Dyck, the hustle of Cole Friesenand the inside presence of Sam Craton,to name but a few. The tenacious defense,which smothered opposing players, hasquickly become a trademark of Westgateteams over the years. At this year’schampionships in Swan River, Westgateonce again overpowered their opposition,defeating St. John’s Ravenscourt 89-72 inthe finals. Justin was named to theTournament All-Star team, with Benearning the MVP award. Congratulationsto coaches Karl Wiebe, Don and NickMiller and the rest of the boys! �

BASKETBALL AWARDS

Ben MillerAAA Player of the Year 2013 and 2014 Graduating All-StarCarl Ridd Award

Justin DyckAll-Manitoba Team A-AAAGraduating All-StarSam CratonGraduating All-StarCole FriesenRon Meyer Leadership Award Amy BaergenGraduating All-Star

Medals and Moms: l-r: Ben Miller, mom Jan; Pam Poulter Friesen, son Cole; Justin Dyck, mom Edith.

VARSITY SPORT 4PEAT

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Simon Pankratz and Alan Rempelwon third place in a Canada-wide German video contest put

on by Paschnet (a German governmentsponsored global community of schoolsthat teach German). As a reward for theirefforts, they will each receive an Amazongift certificate of $100. Their short videodepicted Alan as a waiter and Simon as acustomer wanting to order a Currywurstand being denied his heart’s desire.

GERMAN VIDEO CONTEST

Emma Berg, Judith Banman and MaddyLoewen received an honourable mentionin the same German video contest andreceived $200 for a class prize, whichthey used to take the class out toGasthaus Gutenberger for deliciousschnitzel. Thanks, girls!

MANITOBA GERMAN LANGUAGE CONTESTWINNERS

JUNIOR C CATEGORY2nd Prize – Henry Ens 3rd Prize – Alexander Martin:

INTERMEDIATE B CATEGORY2nd Prize – Jaymi Fast

INTERMEDIATE C CATEGORY3rd Prize – R. Spencer Kristjanson 2nd Prize – Evan Stock

SENIOR A CATEGORY3rd Prize – Mielen Remmert

SENIOR B CATEGORY1st Prize – Alan Rempel

SENIOR C CATEGORY3rd Prize – Genevieve Giesbrecht 2nd Prize – Maya Janzen 1st Prize – Nicolien Klassen-Wiebe

Grade 12 student Richelle Burchill’splay won! A play she wrote forMrs. Martin’s English class waschosen as the winner from fivefinalists in the Scirocco ManitobaHigh School Playwriting Contest.Her play, “It’s Definitely About theKeys,” was performed at the TomHendry Theatre on May 29th and30th, at which time the audiencechose their favourite to win.And if that’s not enough …Richelle just published her firstchildren’s book, which she wroteand illustrated. “The End” hasreceived the following review:“This beautifully illustratedanecdote is the perfect recipe foranyone who has suffered thatawful first breakup. Ms. Richellereminds us all that a broken heartis not the end of the world …sometimes, it is just the beginning.Sure to become a classic for ‘all’ages.” Congratulations, Richelle!

Natasha Neustaedter Barg, NatashaNeudorf Penner and Isabell Heller alsoreceived an honourable mention in thesame German video contest and received$200 for a class prize. They chose to treattheir class to a lunch at Winnipeg’s Germanbakery, The Crusty Bun. Congratulationsand thanks for the treat! �

Back row (l-r): Spencer, Evan, Maya, Alan, Genevieve, MielenFront row: Henry, Jaymi, Alexander, Nicolien

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WINNIPEG MUSIC FESTIVAL WINNERS

In a school that has become known formusical excellence, attention must bepaid to the outstanding achievements

of two of our current grade 11 students atthe recent Winnipeg Music Festival.Christina Thanisch-Smith (’15) and NickNiebuhr (’15) were top award recipients.

Christina, who has been studying vocalmusic with Phyllis Thompson since shewas nine years old, won the Alma WynneMemorial Trophy for most outstandingperformance by a vocalist 18 years of ageand under. She was victorious in four ofher six competition categories and tiedfor first place in the other two. Hermature, rich voice has been noted in avariety of Westgate concerts and in lastyear’s musical, Annie.

Nick achieved first runner-up status afterstudying voice with Dawn Bruch since justlast year. Nick competed in threecategories, winning for German Liederand 20th Century English Music. Known

UltimateOr as many people call it – Ultimate Frisbee – hasquickly become a spring tradition here atWestgate. With over 80 students participating onfive teams from grades 7-12, students have foundthis self-officiated, sportsmanship-emphasizingsport to be a real draw. And, we’ve gotten prettygood at it.

Our three Junior teams finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th inthe B division Provincial Championships. In theSenior categories, our A team earned a 3rd placefinish, with Caleb Snider (’14) beingselected as a Graduating TournamentAll-Star. Our B team also had asuccessful weekend, finishing 4th.Many thanks to our volunteer coachesfor their many hours of time andenergy.

This success has also led our grads tocontinue playing beyond high school.In fact, Caleb Snider (’14), sister Anya(’13) and Krista Aitken (’13) earnedspots on Canada’s National U19 men’sand women’s teams. These teams willcompete in the World Championships inLecco, Italy, this July. Keep up thestrong, and quickly growing, WestgateUltimate traditions!

for his prowess on the sports courts, wesaw Nick’s gift for musical performance inhis role as Bert Healy in Annie last year.

Both Christina and Nick speak of theatmosphere of positive competition theyfind at the festival sessions and havemade good friends with those againstwhom they competed. As they progressedthrough the levels of competition, thenerves of the first few performanceslessened and they became morecomfortable in the setting, surrounded bymany of the same people.

“I really do this for the education,” saysChristina, citing the individual criticismand helpful advice from the adjudicatorsas such an important part of the wholeexperience.

Nick says the experience was well worth itand, along with Christina, hopes tocompete again next year. Congratulationsto you both! �

Caleb Snider

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StudentsWestgate’s LEXIJANOVCIK (’14) waspart of the U18Cobras Volleyballteam that capturedgold at the VolleyballCanada 2014 NationalChampionships inEdmonton, May 9-11.Lexi, along with twoteammates, Cassie

Bujan and Katie Friesen, were named2014 Canadian All-Stars. It was alsoannounced recently that Lexi will bejoining the 2014 CIS National ChampionU of Manitoba Bison Women’s Volleyballteam next academic year. Good luck, Lexi!...............................................................

BEN MILLER (’14) –Acadia University andmen’s basketball coachStephen Baur haveformally announced thecommitment ofWinnipeg native BenMiller. While playing for

Team Manitoba, Miller won a silvermedal at the National Championship insummer of 2012 and at the CanadaGames in 2013 at Sherbrooke, Que.Miller was recently voted the province’stop boys’ player in the Winnipeg Sun’sannual coaches poll.

Most recently, however, Ben was selectedto the Canadian Junior Men’s Nationalbasketball team. They represented Canadaat the FIBA Americas U18 Championshipfor Men in Colorado Springs, CO, June 20-24. Congratulations Ben!!..............................................................

JACKSONPETERS (’14)recently won avideo award forhis production,titled “MessageNot Received.”The Teen DriverSafety Campaign organized a contest toproduce a video warning about thedangers of distracted driving. His video,featuring classmates Declan Moulden

and Dayle Kroeker-Tom, earned Jacksona cash prize which will go toward thepurchase of new video equipment. ...............................................................

MAIA THOMLINSON (’16), already aveteran aerial gymnast, recently competedin the Western Canadian GymnasticsChampionships in Saskatoon. She placedthird overall and also earned a gold medalin the team competition. Maia is followingin her mom’sfootsteps. Hermother MonicaGoermann, acelebratedgymnast, is amember of theManitobaSports Hall ofFame................................................................

ALEC DICKSON (’17) earned gold andsilver medals in the 200m and 100m(respectively) races at the recent MHSAAHigh School Track and Field Championships.Competing in the Junior Varsity categoryas a grade 9 athlete makes theaccomplishment even more impressive.Congratulations, Alec.

The Westgate String Orchestra, withDirector Andrea Bell, was invited toperform at the Manitoba ChamberOrchestra's pre-concert event on April9, 2014. The Westgate Strings attendedthe MCO concert that followed, whichfeatured cello soloist Asier Polo.

The Friesen family was awarded theManitoba Liquor and Lotteries FamilyIMPACT Award at the VolunteerAwards dinner for their commitmentto the Winnipeg Folk Festival andother community initiatives. Pam andKevin Friesen have co-ordinated thefestival’s site first aid crew for 20 yearsand have instilled the value ofcommunity and volunteerism in theirsons Thomas, Aaron, Jonas and Cole,all of whom are actively involved ascoaches, mentors and volunteers in thecommunity. Jonas (apprentice crew)and Cole (guest for a day crew) will bevolunteering at Folk Fest this summer.In addition to this, the Friesens havebeen valued volunteers here atWestgate as well, helping out onschool trips, photography andcoaching, to name only a fewactivities. Thank you fordemonstrating the generous living to which Christ calls us.

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Alumni News

86 West GateWinnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2E1

Phone (204) 775-7111 Fax (204) 786-1651

Email westgate@westgatemennonite.cawww.westgatemennonite.ca

SANDRA BENDER ('97) currently livesin Quebec City, teaching English, and isthe choirmaster for the Anglican Cathedralin Quebec. She is, thus, making use of atheology degree and two music degrees,which got their start at Westgate.

MELANIEKAMPEN (’07)completed herMaster ofTheological Studiesthrough ConradGrebel UniversityCollege at theUniversity of Waterloo in April. Shedefended her thesis on Christian theologyand colonialism in North America. Shehopes to continue with PhD studies in thefall of 2015. Melanie is also a member ofthe Westgate Board, representingSpringfield Heights Church.

JILLIAN GROENING (’08) received herBA (Hons) in dance from the SeniorProfessional Program at the School ofContemporary Dancers in affiliation withthe University of Winnipeg in June 2013.Groening spent the summer performingthe piece “Hybrid Human” (choreographed

by Jolene Bailie incollaboration withpainter Wanda Koop)in Vancouver andToronto as anapprentice withGearshiftingPerformance Works, acontemporary dancecompany based inWinnipeg and foundedby Artistic DirectorJolene Bailie. Recently,Groening performedher own work, the solo“Whitewash” (photoby Kate Likhotin) and

hopes to create more of her own work inthe future.

GABRIELLE WIEBE (’08) was therecipient of a University of ManitobaUndergraduate Research award recently.Her research is taking place within twoschool sites that host Sistema Winnipeg,

an after-schoolorchestra programfor children fromdisadvantagedcircumstances thataims to impactsocial changethrough the pursuitof musical excellence. Gabrielle completedher Bachelor of Music with a concentrationin Senior Years Instrumental Education atCanadian Mennonite University. She playsthe piano and minored in French andTheology. She is in the Senior Years Streamteaching band and French.

JOCELYN HUMMELT (’11) served asCoordinator for the 8th Annual SocialJustice Fair hosted by Menno SimonsCollege. The fair attracted a myriad ofpresenters and organizations dedicatedto work for local and global peace andjustice. LORI FAST (’00) was one of theexhibiters at the Fair. She owns TravelRoots, a travel agency dedicated to“Socially Responsible Travel.”

Two Westgate alumni were recentlyrecognized forpost-secondaryexcellence.CURTISPANKRATZ (’89)received theDistinguishedDissertation

Award, one of 27 given in Canada, andone of four awarded in Manitoba in2013. Dr. Pankratz currently is AssistantProfessor in the Sociology Department atthe University of Winnipeg.

JANIS THIESSEN(’89), AssistantProfessor ofHistory at theUniversity ofWinnipeg, wasone of threerecipients of the2014 University of Winnipeg Faculty ofArts Excellence in UndergraduateTeaching Award. Dr. Thiessen is currentlywriting a history of Westgate thatencompasses the school’s first 50 years.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUSANNE GUENTHER LOEWEN (’03)and partner KRIS – baby Simon David(born June 17, 2013), Toronto UnitedMennonite.

MICHAEL (’92) and DEIDRE JANZEN –baby Jonah Frederick Alexander (bornJune 28, 2013), Bethel Mennonite.

DAVID and CHRISTINE KAMPEN-ROBINSON (’02) – baby Elena SuzanneKampen was born on October 22, 2013,in Kitchener, Ontario. She is the littlesister to Mateo(age 5). MotherChristine is workingon her PhD inApplied Linguisticsat the University ofWaterloo. Thanksin part to the Dr.Doug Brown graduate scholarship shereceived last year from Westgate, Christinehas been able to continue her studies.