Students and residents in Drumheller will get the opportunity to learn about the tragic history of World War II and the power of the human spirit from a Holocaust survivor.

Eva Olsson, 90, is a survivor of Auschwitz. She was sent to the camp in 1944 with her family at the age of 19. Of her extended family of 89, only she and her younger sister survived.

Lynn Hemming, teacher at DVSS heard Olsson speak before and felt it was important for others to hear her message.

“I heard her at Teacher’s Convention in the spring with some colleagues, and we all felt she is one of the best speakers we have ever heard. She is a firecracker. She is passionate well spoken,” said Hemming. “She speaks about the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. It is heavy, but there is always the message of hope.”

Hemming made arrangements for Olsson to come. She will be speaking to students at DVSS on the morning of Tuesday, November 10 and then at St. Anthony’s in the afternoon. 

“The Holocaust is something we can never forget, but I love the fact that she includes the redemptive power of love and forgiveness in her message as well,” said Hemming.

Hemming said Olsson was gracious enough to do a public presentation on Thursday November 12 at 7 p.m. at Kaleidoscope Theater.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account of the Holocaust and the healing that has taken place in her life since.  Eva Olsson has been featured in several documentaries including one called “Stronger than Fire.”  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear a moving and powerful firsthand account of the Holocaust,” said Hemming.

In his short rodeo career so far, seven-year-old Quinton Mavor, of Drumheller, has made a name for himself. 

At the age of three, Quinton began mutton bustin’ and last year he began riding mini bareback and mini bulls. His mom, Tara, tells The Mail that last year he won three buckles for first place. 

“He won the leadership, points and all around buckles. He’s pretty happy, they are sterling silver and pretty cool buckles,” she said. 

Tara explained that Quinton gets his love of rodeo from his family. She said her uncles were bronc and bull riders, and his dad was a bullfighter in rodeo. 

“He’s always had a really big love for it. His favourite movie is Eight Seconds,” she said. 

This year Quinton was invited to the Calgary Stampede to participate in a mutton bustin’ show, and although he thought he was a bit big to participate his mom still encouraged him to go. 

“I said when the Calgary Stampede calls for you it doesn’t matter what it is, you just go,” she explained. 

On November 14 Quinton will begin his second round of winter practices, but will be with a different association. 

“He was in a different association last year. He won’t be riding with that association, he was scouted,” she said. 

“He puts in his all. He is a tough kid. He just loves it. He puts his heart into everything he does and this is definitely something he loves,” she added. 

When asked what the best part about rodeo is, Quinton said, “riding. It is exciting and winning makes me feel good.” He continued by saying his favourite part is mini bronc.