LINDA STORY, Uxbridge Skating Alumni, Publicity and Scholarship Chairperson 2023
UXBRIDGE: Many very nervous and happy young adults proudly walked across the stage at Uxbridge Arena on the afternoon of June 28th. Graduation had finally arrived for the 260 Uxbridge Secondary School (USS) students. Along with receiving their expected diplomas, many students were anxiously awaiting to discover if they had received one of the many coveted scholarships offered annually by local businesses and clubs.
One such scholarship is the Marion Cassie Memorial Scholarship which is presented annually to a deserving recipient, who has demonstrated hard work and talent in his/her skating career as a member of the Uxbridge Skating Club (USC). Along with skating success, the recipient must have been a willing volunteer at the Club, at USS and in the Community of Uxbridge. Emma Cummings, the recipient of the Marion Cassie Memorial Scholarship 2023, showed ability and passion in all areas.
Emma began her skating career with USC at the age of five and continues to skate with the Club 13 later! During this time, she sailed through the Canskate program and began her private lessons with her coach, Samantha Leitch. Throughout the next few years, Emma was able to pass several skating tests: Star 8 Skills, Star 4 Freeskate Elements, Star 3 Freeskate Program and Star 5 Artistic. With Alison Maclean, as her dance coach, Emma was able to pass her Star 7 Dance.
Emma began volunteering in the Canskate Program, where she became an assistant coach and helped young skaters and the coaches in all areas of the skating programs. She enjoyed running the "Fun Zone," helping create a fun experience for all skaters.
Emma eventually became a professional Canskate Coach and continues to develop the skills of young skaters. At USC, she also took part in the various Santa Claus Parades, helping to design floats and was an eager participant in the Parades.
While keeping extremely busy several days a week at the arena, Emma found time to volunteer at Uxbridge Secondary. She enthusiastically took part in the Adaptive Gym Class, where she helped Special Education students create unique and adaptable games which could be inclusive for all disabilities. Emma volunteered at the Adaptive Track & Field events, encouraging all participants. The students welcomed her to pop into their classroom and to eat lunch with them in the school cafeteria. Emma was also an active member of the "Honour Them Well Club," where she helped organize Remembrance Day services and made connections with local veterans. At school, Emma found time to be on the USS rugby team for three years.
In Uxbridge Community, Emma has been a member of Durham Junior Farmers, where she volunteered at the Uxbridge Fall Fair, setting up and taking down booths, shelters and fences for vendors, participants and the Petting Zoo. Emma also worked at Uxbridge Summer Camps, working with Junior Adventure, Junior Whiz, Junior Cheer and Outdoor Quest. Emma is also a member of the #76 Uxbridge Army Cadets, in which she was involved in the Udora Lion's Club with the roadside cleanup. Emma is involved in organizing Veterans' dinners, annual kids' parties, and collecting for the Poppy Foundation. She is currently "Regimental Sergeant Major."
Emma has collected many wonderful memories during her 13 years at USC. One of her favourite memories is her final experience at the Uxbridge Skating Club's Carnival "Night at the Cinema" in May of this year. Emma skated her last solo and also skated group numbers with the senior skaters, who have become good friends over the past several years. She also chose numbers and helped choreograph the Juniors' and Canskaters' performances.
Emma is definitely not ready to end her skating career. One of her goals is to become a regional skating coach and also continue teaching at Uxbridge Skating Club throughout college and into the future.
And Emma's academic goals? She is thrilled to have been accepted into the four-semester Paramedic Course at Durham College. She is excited to be able to help people in need.
Asked about her anticipation of receiving the Marion Cassie Memorial Scholarship, Emma said, "I was crossing my fingers, hoping I would receive it. I was just so happy and relieved when it was announced that I had won!"
Emma was asked if there was anyone she would like to thank for receiving her scholarship. "Oh! Yes! The Uxbridge Skating Alumni! My coaches, Samantha Leitch and Alison Maclean, for their encouragement over all the years. And especially my Mom and Dad for their love and support. Mom would sit and watch me most days, probably so I wouldn't fool around!"
Congratulations on all of your successes in the past, present and future, Emma!