Fond memories of St. Michael’s for graduating duo

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

In a small graduating class of only the two of them, St. Michael’s own Leigha Hansen and Austin Mastel are ready for the road ahead of them.

It didn’t begin this way, remarked Hansen, but while their class may have began as a much larger collective, the years have slowly whittled them down into a class of two. Hansen remarked that it was fortunate that the two of them meshed. 

When not at school, Mastel is an avid sports fan, and Hansen spends most of her time at her job at the Health Centre. Both are fans of reading and music, and are looking forward to what comes next, though Hansen is somewhat nervous about the upcoming change.

“I plan on going to the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute in Camrose next year for either a year or two. And then after that, I want to go to Olds College for veterinary technician for two years,” said Hansen. Hansen spent her entire education in the small system that is St. Michael’s School, part of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, and recognizes the change might be a little difficult, but feels like she has all the tools she needs.

Mastel is less certain of what his bright future looks like just yet, and is planning to take a gap year once school is out for the summer.

“I’d probably say, younger parents not knowing where to send their kids that they should really like to try out a smaller school because it really helps you blossom,” said Hansen. It was added by Mastel that due to the small class sizes, most of their instruction was one-on-one training, and lessons were tailored to the two of them specifically to ensure their best chance for success.

The pair expect to stay in touch, even as they go their separate ways, and despite any jitters, are looking forward to whatever the next few years of their lives my hold.