Holly Rae Steylen

Louisbourg native Holly Rae Steylen, 18, is a recent graduate from Riverview Rural High School and will begin the Bachelor of Arts program at Cape Breton University in September, where she received an entrance scholarship. A lover of dance, Steylen studied at Dance Sync studio in Coxheath, starting at age two and has worked as a dance teacher/ choreographer. Passionate about issues involving gender equality like wage gaps and girls being able to attend school in some countries, Steylen hopes to pursue a career as a psychologist or guidance counselor. Along with volunteering at community events in Louisbourg, Steylen was also part of the RBC #Make150Count initiative, giving makeovers to seniors living at retirement living complexes in Cape Breton. Steylen hopes one day to visit the Netherlands where her family on her father’s side are from.

Age: 18.

Occupation: Student.

Family: Rene (father),

Rose (mother), Adam (brother).

Birthplace: Sydney.

Home: Louisbourg.

Pets: Still missing my dog

Bambi who passed last year. First job: S&L Railway Museum.

What talent would you most like to have: Sing. Coffee or tea: Green tea. Favourite movie:

McFarland, USA.

Favourite book: The Kite Runner. Pet peeve: Loud chewing. What is something you like to do in your leisure time: Hanging out with friends, painting, drawing. Favourite motto or

expression: Let your smile change the world, don’t let the world change your smile. What traits in people

do you admire the most: Benevolence, empathy. Favourite thing about Cape Breton:

Beautiful sights and wonderful people. Favourite place to travel in Cape Breton: Cheticamp. Favourite place to travel outside of Cape Breton: New York City.