Enough Talk—Meet Makenzie Zouboules!
Posted on June 29th, 2012 by DustinThis afternoon, in our community arena in my hometown of Yellowknife, NT, in front of friends, family, teachers and role models, the 2012 graduates of Sir John Franklin High School got all gussied up in caps and gowns and walked that age-old walk up and across a small stage to have their tassels flipped and diplomas handed to them. Another class of YK kids all grown up and ready to make their mark.
Regrettably, for the first time in the 6 years, I was unable to physically be there to do two things:
1. Thank all the students for their time and effort in the application process.We know it’s a lot of work but it’s very much appreciated.
And 2. Present this year’s passionate, intelligent, confident, accomplished, thoughtful and more-than-deserving recipient of the Enough Talk, Hurry Up and Do It Already Arts Scholarship (AKA the ETHUDIAAS).
Luckily, I had my main man Andre Corbeil (whom, along with Landon Peters and myself, helps decide every year who gets the cash!) on hand to present Makenzie Zouboules with her ’ship.
While the decision process is always difficult, as it ultimately means we have to choose one deserving student and their dreams to support over another, this year was exceptionally so. Each and every applicant more than proved that they are indeed deserving of the award and will likely go on to succeed in enormous ways regardless of actually receiving it, however it was Makenzie’s unabashed passion for not only performance (at which she is amazing) and writing (at which she is extraordinary), but her desire to truly communicate with her peers, her community, heck– her generation, that stood out most. This is a 17 year-old woman with a wisdom and perspective beyond her years. A leader in her school and her community, Makenzie Zouboules is someone who truly (I mean for real) knows who she is and what she wants out of her life, which, in this day and age, is a rare and refreshing thing. A good representative for the “good people” sub-group of humanity.
Below is Makenzie Zouboules receiving the plastic-protected certificate with Andre Corbeil:
2012 Scholarship recipient Makenzie Zouboules with selection committee member Andre Corbeil
Congratulations Makenzie, I have no doubt we’ll all be hearing about you soon.
-Dustin
P.S. !!!
Below is a bit more about Makenzie, from the sweet press release Andre wrote:
(Note: see how often he bolded Makenzie’s name? That’s how impressive she is.)
PRESS RELEASE 2012
The Yellowknife Community Foundation is happy to present the 2012 Enough Talk, Hurry Up and Do It Already Arts Scholarship to a creative, enthusiastic and unstoppable École Sir John Franklin High School student, Makenzie Zouboules.
While Makenzie is comfortable on stage as a performer, interpreting and portraying others’ words and steps, where her passion is, is writing those words herself, creating characters, stories and worlds.
Makenzie is dedicated and enthusiastic about everything she gets involved with which range from being a lead actor in Ecole Sir John Franklin High School’s productions of “The Lion King”, “God” and “Grease” to choreographing dance numbers, fundraising for charitable organizations, reading to elementary school students, being a driving force on Student Council, to assisting the facilitation of a Territorial program that gives young girls an opportunity to talk about healthy relationships and decisions in regards to sexual health. While Makenzie is doing all of these things, she has also excelled academically, having completed her graduation requirements a semester early as a French Immersion student. Makenzie is an unstoppable force.
In her own words, “world domination begins through a solid education” which Makenzie will continue, studying Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in the fall.
Makenzie Zouboules receives a $1000 scholarship towards her quest for world domination through creative writing.
