Top Apprentice.

Well, it's done! We left Lloydminster this (well yesterday) afternoon, and went to Edmonton after leaving baby at grandma and grandpa's house in Vermilion. It's our second time leaving him with other people. Was still a little bit hard for me. We were gone for almost 9 and a half hour. I couldn't help thinking about my boy, and wondering how he was doing. And NO, I didn't call grandma once. Grandma said that he was a good boy :).

We got there a little early, so Marc and I waited in the parking lot until people started to show up. At 5:30pm we went in, and were greeted by someone that Marc has known since he was 8 years old or so. They had a nice visit, then we went to our table. Marc's bosses came with their wives, and we all sat at the same table. We visited and waited for the food to be served. At 6pm, the reception started, and we all went to get something to eat. The food was REALLY good. We all pretty much had seconds, lol. It's free food, why not eh! :). Around 7pm, they started their speeches which were really really boring. Some of them gave really long speeches, some just kept it short (our favorites). After many hands clapping, and fighting to stay awake, and a short break. They had all 49 (out of 61) top apprentices go up to the stage and down. One by one they were called and received their awards, and had their picture taken. Of course, at our table we waited for Marc's turn so that we can fervently applaud him, and see him receive the award. Once Marc got off the stage, a guy stopped him, and gave him his business card, and told Marc to give him a call. I think it is about a job in Calgary. Marc isn't interested in it, so he wouldn't be calling that guy. Maybe if it was in Lethbridge, he will consider it, hihi.

We were ALL extremely PROUD of him and his accomplishment. Out of all the students in his trade that passed their journeyman tickets, and red seal (in 2011), Marc is the one that had the highest grade both in the exams taken at the college and the provincial exams. It is such a GREAT accomplishment especially for someone like Marc who has ADD, and has a hard time focusing. He worked hard, and studied really really hard. I am proud of him, and know how dedicated he was for 3 years studying all night. It paid off!

Next, Marc is seriously thinking (and I am pretty sure he will) about getting the blue seal. The blue seal is mostly about learning and studying the management aspect of the trade which can open new doors for him. I think it is the highest seal you can get in the trades (don't quote me on that, although I am pretty sure it is). Not many trade people get it. That will be a new challenge for Marc :)... We also heard a rumor (from a guy who is a member of some board related to the apprenticeship program ) about the opportunity for trade people like Marc to have their journeyman ticket and red seal count towards obtaining a Bachelor degree in Art (or something like that, again don't quote me on it). But that won't be effective until the next 2 years or so. Again, like I said it is just a rumor, and if that really happens, well Marc will probably do it too :))).

All in all, it was an awesome day!

Denis (Marc's parts manager) and his wife.

Murray (Marc's big boss) and his wife.

Lakeland College has 3 top apprentices this year.

Marc is standing by his favorite instructor

which told Marc's bosses and I quote "Marc was an excellent student :)".

Marc with Denis and Murray.

Sorry, if I seem to brag a lot about my husband. I am proud of him, and he deserves to be bragged about with such accomplishment.

Oh ya, I won something. I got to take home the center piece that was on our table. It's a nice floral arrangement with purple orchids, haha. It made me happy. I love orchids :).