The morning of February 14, 2003 marked a very significant date for students and staff of Gander Collegiate in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. It was a day that brought excitement, anticipation, and exposure to the school. It was the day the Minister of Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, The Honourable Judy Foote, visited our school. Ms. Foote, a highly regarded, accomplished, and intellectual woman visited the school to honour and acknowledge a young Gander man, Mr. Larry Peyton.

Upon Ms. Foote's arrival a select group of Gander Collegiate's student body gathered together, anxiously awaiting her presentation. The Minister spoke to the students about her views on the importance of education in today's society, and how we should all regard it highly. She also spoke a little about herself, her experiences, and her desire to learn. Her presentation continued with the idea of completing education at a mature age. It was then that she called Mr. Peyton to the podium and presented him with a plaque, and a $1000 cheque in recognition of his prestigious accomplishment. Mr. Peyton, though he resents it, did not complete high school as a teen.

However several years later, he realized his mistake, and decided it was time to take action to correct it. He decided he would get his GED, and was indeed very successful, scoring in the top 99% across Canada. Mr. Peyton said a few words to the students to highlight how his views on education have changed, as well as to express his pride that he took the initiative to complete his education.

Following Ms. Foote's presentation she was taken on a tour of the high school, culminating at the school's main highlight, the media room, a program developed by teacher, Mr. Brian Mosher. Concorde Media, Gander Collegiate's broadcast media program, teaches students all aspects of television production, including full studio use. It was here that the students put their knowledge into action, and produced a broadcast story on Newfoundland & Labrador's Minister of Education, as well as Mr. Larry Peyton himself. The production was entirely student oriented, and was indeed a huge success.