Driving forward

Before she even took her first breath, doctors gave Darby Beeson a slim chance of ever walking normally. Now, the gregarious, optimistic Airdrie teen athlete has dreams of taking to the ice as an Olympic speed skater.

The noise level in the conference room is rising. Colourful blankets are piling up on chairs, bolts of fabric rest against the walls, and balls of yarn are stacked four deep on a table to the side. The “blanketeers” are attending their monthly meeting in donated space at an Airdrie car dealership.

This year our annual Ones to Watch feature focuses on eight very talented young women who are ready to ignite the world with their passions. Nominated by their teachers, each one of them offer a glimpse at a better world with their art in it.