Deer Island boasts two valedictorians

Two students from Deer Island have been named valedictorian at their respective high schools in Charlotte County. Beverley Ann Smith achieved the honor at Fundy High School in St. George, and Alex Cline earned the top spot at Sir James Dunn Academy in St. Andrews.
Jane Conley, who has taught literacy for 22 years at Deer Island Community School, remembers both students with pride. "It's very nice that we have two valedictorians this year."
"Beverley was always a very serious student, and she has a great sense of humor," recalls Conley. "She was very good in the arts but strong in science, too. That creative right side and logical left side of the brain make a great combination."
"Alex was quiet. He'd never draw attention to himself, but you'd know by the expression on his face that he 'got it,'" remembers Conley. Like Smith, Cline was very good in both the arts and the sciences. "It was always enjoyable teaching him."
"This is such a nice school," she adds. "We have small classes, and it's very personable. Once you've graduated from Deer Island Community School, it follows you wherever you go."
Beverley Smith will be attending the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and is majoring in kinesiology, the study of human movement. "I wanted to become a doctor, so this should help me in the future," points out Smith, who has received two scholarships from UNB.
"Going to Fundy High has been a good experience," adds the Class of 2012 valedictorian, whose favorite teacher was science and trigonometry instructor Sarah Moran-Lee. "I learned from teachers, but I also learned how to teach myself, and that's prepared me for university."
Alex Cline will be attending St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, says his mother, Pam. "He's received a fairly large scholarship and is enrolling in the bachelor of arts program. He wants to be a writer."
"He was very privileged that he could go to school in St. Andrews. It's got a great reputation," stresses Pam. "He lived with my sister and her husband, and the teachers and students were very welcoming when he started Grade 11 there."
While at Sir James Dunn Academy, Cline resurrected the school newspaper, which he headed, and was active in many activities including the Rock-n-Ride for Cancer charity.
In addition to Smith and Conley's academic achievements, another former Deer Island Community School student did well at a third Charlotte County secondary school. Trent Mitchell earned a mark of honor at St. Stephen High School for his high honors final average of 92.2. "He was a very good student and was extremely conscientious," says Guidance Counselor Don Walker.
"Trent has an excellent rapport with his teachers, is cooperative and well-respected by his peers," he adds. "He also has very good interpersonal skills."
Mitchell earned a scholarship from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where he will study computer science. "UNB was really impressed by him," points out Walker.