NB Lieutenant Governor visits Sackville schools

New Brunswick's Lieutenant Governor promoted the importance of education as he visited students in Sackville last week, using his own school years as an example of how anyone can persevere if they're willing to work hard and ask for help.

Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas, a Maliseet raised in Tobique First Nation, said he failed Grade 1 because he didn't know a word of English when he entered school.

"But I didn't let that set me back," he told students at Marshview Middle School on Friday morning. "I was determined to work hard and I made it, I passed Grade 1 the next year."

Nicholas said those formative years left a lasting impression and showed him that hard work pays off in the end.

"I'm proof that if you work hard and don't give up, no matter how difficult things are and how tough a topic is, you can get through it," he said.

Nicholas, who also visited Salem school on Friday afternoon, pointed out that he wouldn't have had all the opportunities he did without a proper education.

"I know how important education has been in my life; it's opened up so many opportunities for me."

He encouraged the students to use their energy and their eagerness to learn to their advantage, and to set goals for the future.

Nicholas, who was appointed New Brunswick's Lieutenant Governor last September, said he's been having a "fantastic time" in his new role and has attended more than 100 events since taking office.

Nicholas also took time to answer dozens of questions from the students, ranging from what he enjoyed most about his job, to what type of car he drove, to who he thought was going to win the Superbowl.