BY GIANNI UBRIACO
Alternative programs give students who fall through the cracks
an opportunity to get their diplomas through different teaching
methods in a more relaxed and conducive atmosphere.
Ecole Cap sur l'Avenir started out as such an alternative
program at Ecole Secondaire MacDonald-Cartier before becoming
its own independent school last September.
As part of the French public school board Grand Nord de
l'Ontario, the school has about 45 students between the ages of
15 and 21, as well as a few adults, who had difficulties in
regular schools and are now pursuing their high school
diplomas.
The director of the school, Richard Poirier, recently announced
a new physical education program for students which allows them
to earn a diploma credit while helping them to get in shape and
build more self-confidence.
"Alternative school is all about using alternative methods to
get these kids their credits so they can graduate," says
Poirier. "This program is exactly what the school is all about
and what we're striving to do."
Michelle Regan noticed that a lot of the kids were out of shape
and in need of more self-confidence and self-esteem. She
approached professional bodybuilder Rick McCutcheon to give
some seminars on fitness.
McCutcheon, who recently returned home from a sixth place
finish at the North American International Bodybuilding
Federation championships in Ohio, wanted to take it a step
further. He offered to personally train the students at the
Bodyworks Gym after school for three weeks.
He also came up with a special diet which specializes in
helping people lose fat and gain muscle.
Regan has seen positive results in her students who also do an
hour of cardio  daily.
"Rick is a motivator and his message to kids is to be happy
with who they are," says Regan. "If you're happy with what
you're doing and happy with yourself, life seems a lot easier
to get through, so it's helping them."
The students only had to pay half the regular price for a
month's membership  at the gym. They also receive special
prizes and T-shirts for their efforts.
The program has been such a success amongst the kids this year
that Regan,  who works out alongside her students, says
she enjoys it immensely and plans on continuing the program in
the future.
"It keeps them motivated and excited and I haven't seen kids
this excited  for a long time," she says. "It brings a
tear to my eyes, to tell you the  truth. To see them so
involved in something and happy with themselves, and to see
their reactions with the before and after results with their
sheer  excitement over something they're going to receive
a credit in, is great."
It's proven to be a hit with the students as well.
"I love it because it gets us in shape, keeps us motivated, and
it  accomplishes credits," says student Martin Lajoie,
20.
"It makes me  really happy and I can't wait to get back
into the gym," adds 18-year-old fellow student Eric Ferron.
"It's working, so we're  going to stick with it. It'll help us for the rest of our lives."