DSS GRADUATES DARE TO dream

Posted By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Posted 3 months ago

Margaret and Mark Koster have seen a big difference in their daughter Nash since she enrolled in dream.

Just prior to Dunnville Secondary's annual commencement exercises for the Class of 2009, a separate ceremony was held Friday night to honour the second group of students to graduate from the four-year dream program, created especially for students by Drs. Barb and Reza Kazemi.

"At first I never understood why it was so important," said Nash, who spoke on behalf of her fellow dream graduates. "I've never been a good student or got good marks or had the opportunity to give speeches. But every year I became more involved in dream and the trip to Mexico was the best time in my life by far," she said of the annual trek made by dream students to widen their global perspective by learning about other cultures.

"I saw beautiful things and figured out a lot about myself, and Barb and Reza prepared us for the real world, and living to the best of our abilities. It was an amazing opportunity," she added; "some of the best opportunities of my life. I would like to thank them so much. The community involvement was awesome."

Since she began attending courses in Public Relations at Oshawa's Durham College this September, Nash's parents say her self-esteem and self-confidence have follow the steady incline they've noticed during the last four years. "Our younger daughter, Randy, is in her third year in dream," said Margaret. "Barb and Reza are fabulous. They have a big influence on the kids and they really support them."

Daryl Williams, whose son Christopher also graduated from dream this year, told the audience the program profoundly affected his entire family. Thanking the many community sponsors and mentors who help make the program possible, Williams said it's their collective vision, insight and contributions that inspires dream students to set and reach various goals. "It brings out the full potential of each student," he said.

Now enrolled in the Electrical Engineering program at Mohawk College, Christopher also thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Mexico, said his father. "It made students realize how lucky they were. I personally witnessed how people could've fallen by the wayside without this program. Without the dream program, there wouldn't be a future. Any time you looked at a child's eyes, you realized the impact the program had on them."

"We get to know you and we love you as our own children," said founder Reza Kazemi, thanking parents, mentors and sponsors who supported the dream program from the very beginning. "It was an unknown thing back then. Without the help of our sponsors, this program would not have existed. They just invested in an idea and believe in you without even knowing who you are. The money has gone to create a great group of students," he added, "and an investment in the future. Dream is a community of giving and the mentors exemplify that."

Kazemi concluded the ceremony by congratulating all students now enrolled in post-secondary programs and those continuing in their fifth year at DSS, urging them "to make a difference in this town. Now is your turn. Have a great year. Have a great life."

Scholarships were awarded to the following dream students pursuing post-secondary education: Spencer Blackburn, Lindsay Cochrane, Christopher Crumb, Miranda Fellows, Jenna Hancock, Kaitlin Johnson, Nash Koster, Sarah Lemon, Jeffrey Lowe, Chantelle Maw, Jessica Thorne, Nancy Wall, Christopher Williams, Rachel Williams, and Gregory Young.

Other students who graduated from the dream program Friday and are continuing for a fifth year of high school or studying elsewhere include: Kyle Allen, Shane Allen, Logan Basden-Smith, Justina Bergsma, Jason Dear, Jessica Pridmore, Michelle Stefanik, and Emma Vandervliet.

PHOTO BY CATHY PELLETIER