In June of his Grade 8 year, Stefan Meade came to Nantyr to see his new high school and meet his future teacher. He had an Educational Assistant with him who had helped him all through his elementary education.
That September he began working in the COPE class, learning to train his first dog, Charity. When he took on the challenge of this very energetic pup, Stefan proved to have both a natural ability to work with dogs, and quiet but commanding leadership.
As Stefan gained experience in his work with dogs, we started to see his confidence develop, and come through in other aspects of his learning. His literacy skills were improving and he was taking risks that he wouldn’t have thought he could manage in the past.
The final proof of Stefan’s growth came when he began a co-op placement at an elementary school in the area. This student who had always needed help, was going out into his community to help others. He walked his COPE dog, Big Mac, over to the school to help support another young student. And he made a difference. This year, Stefan will graduate from high school with a certificate of accomplishment. What an accomplishment it has been.