A Proud Tartan Who Is Proud of WDSS – Text for Video Presentation to 2014 WDSS Graduates from Councillor Jeff Wesley

WDSS – I Am A Proud Tartan

Hi, I am Jeff Wesley and I graduated from WDSS in 1976 and continued my education with a Honours B.A. from Western University in 1980 followed by a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor in 2007. I did not realize back in 1976 just how important my high school education and education in general was going to be – if you knew me back then you would have known that I was quite shy and unassuming. However, all of that changed and the education I rec’d at WDSS opened the door to the world and it can do that for you as well.

My time at WDSS, where I met my wife of 34 years – Michelle – allowed me to attend Western University and later the University of Windsor at age 46 to become a lawyer. By the way I attended law school with my daughter, Lindsey, who is also a proud graduate of WDSS along with our other three children.

What has education meant to me – well it has allowed me numerous opportunities from serving as your Mayor and elected representative for over 20 years to working as a lawyer and a 30 year employee of Union Gas where I am part of a team responsible for multi- million dollar projects. Most satisfying of all is the work that the Save our Sydenham Committee, where I served as Chairperson, did to advocate for our hospital.

Education, and it all starts at WDSS, not only provides you with knowledge but it also provides you with ideas, opportunities, connections and the ability to take advantage of all that the world has to offer. There is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered and I know you will make an important contribution whether through your work, your family or your volunteer efforts.

Remember, of all the things you can do in life education is the one thing no one can take from you – you will keep that education for life!

I grew up with not much in life since my parents separated when I was in grade one and my mother worked hard and did the best she could. But that should not be a barrier to anyone because you can accomplish whatever you want to in life through desire, passion and hard work.

I am proud to be from Wallaceburg, proud to have graduated from WDSS and proud to be a Tartan….and so should you!

Thank you for this opportunity.

Jeff Wesley

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