Akwesasne has great kids!

Four Akwesasne children were recognized for their outstanding achievements, acts of kindness, and caring personalities Sunday at the Standard-Freeholder’s Search for Great Kids banquet. Semi-finalists in the competition were invited to the annual banquet, and the finalist in each of six categories was named.

Kolten Oakes-Cook, Laney Tahy, Albert Terrance and Waheson Lazore represented Akwesasne, where they were honored on stage along with many other children from Cornwall and surrounding areas.

Oakes-Cook was a semi-finalist in the “Cool to be Kind Age 6-12” category. He was nominated by a teacher at Tsi Snaihne School who recognized his acts of kindness in school. He is also said to be a great older brother to two little brothers. Oakes-Cook is the son of Corina Oakes and Toby Cook.

Laney Tahy was also a semi-finalist in the “Cool to be Kind Age 6-12” category. She is said to be a very respectful young girl who helps to clean Mother Earth and can be relied on in an emergency.

Albert Terrance was a semi-finalist in the “Against the Odds Age 6-12” Category. Though he couldn’t attend the banquet, his nominator, teacher Kahnastatsi Jacobs, accepted his plaque. Terrance has a rare disorder that limits his short term memory. Despite this, he has excelled in a number of areas at Kana:takon School, like math, art and even gym. He is said to be a very kind and enthusiastic boy. One teacher even called him “the best kid in the whole school.”

Waheson Lazore was the bubbly finalist in the “Personal Best Age 6-12” category. She has won the Akwesasne Science Fair two years in a row and is an excellent student earning steady recognition for her talents and hard work.

“She’s a hard worker and she wants to do the best that she can,” said her mother Shannon Lazore. She added, “There are a lot of great kids out there and I think there should be more that are nominated.”

The banquet was filled with young talent, ambition and enthusiasm and everyone in the crowd was inspired by the keynote speaker. Christina Campbell, a 20-year-old Chesterville girl, has defied the odds and become a Special Olympics champion, earning a gold medal and two silver medals in rhythmic gymnastics at the world competition. Despite having cognitive disabilities she has become a star athlete and popular public speaker.

The Search for Great Kids has been held for eight years. The Standard-Freeholder will recognize each “great kid” in its Thursday edition.

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