Thursday night the Altona Skating Club held its annual achievement night, taking the audience to the movies with that theme for the evening's performances. Club members displayed the skills they’ve learned over the season to parents, siblings and grand parents in the stands at Sunflower Garden in the Rhineland Pioneer Centre.

"Mostly the people," said 15 year old Vanessa Klippenstein when asked what she enjoyed the most about the opportunity to perform. "I like doing it for people, and meeting all the skaters, then I make new friends."

Klippenstein moved to Canada about six years ago, and joined the club at the first opportunity after her parents suggested skating would be a good thing for her to learn now that they were living here.

Alexa French, who is 13 years old, has also been skating for about six years, and had a solo performance which included a couple of new things she learned this year.

"That I can learn new skills," said French when asked what she enjoyed the most about being a Club member. "I think it's just making like all those great connections with all my new friend and stuff like that. Just meeting, making new friends."

It was a special night for Alexa, because she also received the STARSkater of the Year Award. This award recognizes a skater who has demonstrated determination and commitment to the STAR Program. Alexa has displayed passion for the sport and has achieved success throughout the system, not only within the STAR assessing system, but also with personal skill development and growth. She is a hard worker on the ice and is always up for learning a new skill.

Also part of the pre-performance chat was 11 year old Abigail Sawatzky, who has been skating for about five years, and also shared learning new skills is her favourite part of being with the club.

Left to right; Alexa French, Vanessa Klippenstein and Abigail SawatzkyLeft to right; Alexa French, Vanessa Klippenstein and Abigail Sawatzky

You can listen to CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show Co-Host Chris Sumner's conversation with Vanessa, Alexa and Abigail, below.