As the High River Spring Ball nears the end, students took part in a formal dining experience, and besides which fork to use, Mayor Craig Snodgrass provided them with a couple of important life lessons.

The dinner is a chance for the students to practice their newly polished table manners with guests. They have to set the table, clear and serve, and keep the conversation flowing all the way through.

One of this years guests, Mayor Craig Snodgrass gave them lots to discuss, and think about, from his experience as the mayor the last three-and-a-half-years.

"How you treat people in life determines your success and defines really who you are,"  said Snodgrass in a short opening speech to the students.

"I've made many of my own mistakes and I have not always treated others the way I should have. "

Many people have told him that his tough take "no crap" attitude was needed to get the town through the flood rebuild, but it came at a cost.

"We achieved all the goals that we set, but sometimes it came with a price of a few destroyed long-term relationships and a ton of stress, not only for me but my whole family."

"I now know that you can achieve great results and still retain and even strengthen these relationships at the same time."

Biggest lesson he has now learned is to always lead with compassion and avoid judgement.

"Sometimes people are just scared for reasons that you don't know about. and often they can act inappropriately."

Snodgrass added he now knows how important it is to treat people with kindness, empathy and compassion regardless of  yours or their circumstances or how chaotic life may be.

"Someone who is clear about their boundaries and hold their own integrity at the forefront and when needing to say no can forge stronger relationships while doing so."

He stressed how people treat others is the deciding factor on the success of your life.

Snodgrass also had some advice that comes from his career as a funeral director.

Throughout his lifetime he has sat through hundreds of eulogies and it's never about how big your house is, the size of your bank account, or what kind of vehicle you drive.

"None of that is ever talked about in a eulogy. It's all about the relationships you form throughout your life.

"Your own eulogy is yours to write, be careful  - be respectful of that."

He added it is great to see the students that have stepped up and become involved in Spring Ball.

"Something that I admire greatly are those that have the guts just to put your hand up at any point in time and get involved."

"So continue to step up and put your hand up and treat people the way you are being taught today it provides nothing but success and happiness through your whole life."

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