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Riverside honours former student

Jun 24, 2011 | 6:25 AM

The newest inductee to the Riverside Community School Wall of Fame challenged current students to follow their dreams and keep a positive attitude.

On Thursday, Brynn Boback-Lane became the 30th alumni to be enshrined on the wall of fame, which recognizes the contributions and achievements of former students.

“Well, I’m very humbled by this honour and certainly it was unexpected,” said Boback-Lane, who said she was grateful and thrilled to return to the school she attended from 1976-78.

“It’s very emotional, more so than I thought. I have some good positive memories of this school,” she said.

“I played sports in this very gymnasium; I did a disco dance and sang with my guitar on that stage.”

Boback-Lane was recognized for her work with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan where she has served as president and CEO since 1999. Her most recognizable achievement was securing $200 million from the provincial government for the Children’s Hospital.

“I do share it with a number of people that have helped us to the goal we are at today in building a children’s hospital for Saskatchewan kids.”

During her acceptance speech, she spoke fondly about her time at the school and left students with the secret to her success.

“Be proud, be yourself, be positive, make the right choices,” she said.

“The bottom line is surround yourself with positive people, positive influences, people that will encourage you.”

Her message resonated with the staff and students, who gave her a standing ovation at the end of the ceremony.

The day was an absolute thrill, said John Schultz, principal at Riverside.

“Getting a chance to listen to Brynn and the hard work she’s had to put in to make the children’s hospital a reality. It’s just an exciting experience and a great chance for our students to have positive role models.”

Schultz has been involved with the Wall of Fame for the past nine years and said he continues to be amazed by the number of students that have gone on to do such great things.

bbosker@panow.com