Valley View Villa Senior Evelyn Pettipas Graduates at 93
back to school.
It was after the Christmas break and Pettipas had determined she wasn't going back. “Do you want to know why I quit school - the God honest truth?” asks Pettipas, who is now 93. “I grew up on the Red Row. We came from a large family. I think I might have had three changes of clothing and I was in high school.” Many of her friends' parents worked for the railroad and had more money to buy clothing that she and her family just couldn't afford at the time. “I felt out of place even though I was accepted and had good friends. I felt out of place wearing the same clothes all the time.”
Her mother finally gave up and told her if she wasn't going to school, she was going to go to work. So that's what she did. Now, more than 75 years later, Pettipas is going to walk across the stage with a cap and gown, along with 19 other residents from Valley View Villa who are graduating after participating in classes at the assisted care site.
The program is based on one that's been in operation for 20 years at Mountain Lee Lodge in the Annapolis Valley. Valley View recreation director Cathy Ryan said she had attended a session to learn about the program a couple years ago with another employee of Valley View, and decided it'd be a great fit for their site. While she met with some reluctance at first, Ryan said she's thankful the residents decided to give it a shot.
For more than a year now, they have been meeting once a week to learn about topics including everything from geography and science to history, English and the arts. The “students” come from all walks of life, Ryan said. Some have university degrees while some didn't advance past Grade 4. Pettipas said she particularly enjoyed learning about other countries. Ryan said a lot of the residents thanked her and said it helps them remember things they had forgotten.
In addition to making them lifelong learners, she said it's also been a great way to get them out and socialize. It's also something they can be proud of.
In recognition of their accomplishments, Valley View Villa will host a graduation ceremony on June 9. Gowns from the former West Pictou High School have been donated for the seniors to wear and Ryan purchased some caps.
Pettipas will walk across the stage as valedictorian, proving that it's never too late.