NAEC celebrates and remembers

North Addington Education Centre celebrated its annual Frosty Friday with school spirit, with three dress up theme days and a full day of team building activities followed by their winter formal, all organized by the Student's Council. This year however, the week was also a very sad one at NAEC. Steven Ruttan, 17, passed away, Monday December 3.

"Steven was always smiling and laughing," said one student, "He'd want us to continue with our lives and be happy." On Friday, staff and students of NAEC wore a yellow ribbon for Steven, his favourite colour.

Opening the day with a pancake breakfast, students competed in their house teams. Events included outdoor tug o' war, Egg toss, Dizzy Bat, and indoor Blind Volleyball and an obstacle course (put on by the members of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving). The obstacle course featured goggles smeared with Vaseline and chairs to navigate with a ball throwing challenge. It showed students how alcohol can impair your vision and judgment. The afternoon held the first annual Vikingball Tournament with the winning team playing the teacher team. E house beat the teacher team in two games. They also went on to win the Trophy with the most points of the day.

After the day full of activities, students removed their yellow ribbons and placed them on their formal clothes for the dance, held at the Flinton Hall. A commemorative poster for Steven was signed by all in attendance.

A memorial was held in the gymnasium on December 10 for Steven.