THATCHER MACKAY
Singer/Songwriter
Thirteen-year-old Thatcher MacKay has been a musician for nine years and has been playing guitar for audiences from the age of five. Currently MacKay is a student at the PEI School of Guitar. “I really enjoy preparing to perform for an audience,” MacKay explains. “I love reading the room and seeing the enjoyment my music brings to people’s faces. It’s always fun to make connections with people through music. My cousin, Dave Woodside, is an Island musician
and he has introduced me to playing with other musicians on stage, which has been really amazing.” MacKay’s grandmother is a pianist and has played and performed piano since she was a teenager. His younger sister also plays piano and is a dancer. This summer Islanders can see MacKay busking in Victoria-by-the-Sea, Lone Oak Brewery and Piatto Pizzeria. “I am always open to new opportunities and places to perform my music.”
When he is not performing, MacKay loves anything to do outdoors; fishing, dirt bikes, hockey, and baseball. “After I graduate high school I’m interested in both engineering and architecture. I sometimes think about teaching guitar to younger students when I’m in university,” MacKay says. “But if I was offered a record deal right now, I’d sign it.”
▲ Thatcher MacKay Photo by Story Thorburn
IYLA KILBRIDE
Entrepreneur - Pet Poo Pick-up Summerside
Many of us have dogs as pets and although we love them and consider them a part of the family they come with an unfortunate by-product. Each spring our backyards are dotted with smelly deposits. Pet Poo Pick-up is a yard clean up business essential for anyone who has a dog, a backyard and lives in Summerside. Fifteen-year-old Iyla Kilbride launched her business Pet Poo Pick-Up when she was only ten years old. “I wanted a source of income, and I was too young to apply anywhere. My mother
helped me come up with the business idea.”
admits, “The worst part of my business is having to work on nice spring days when other people are hanging out with friends or doing fun activities,” she adds, “Also, sometimes it smells a little.” Killbride is finishing grade nine at Summerside Intermediate School in 2022. “I think I’m going to let the business slow down a bit because I just got hired at another job and I am busy. I am hoping to become a pilot someday.”
Five years later Pet Poo Pick-up has grown to include regular clients and new clients each year. “Most customers just want one spring clean-up, but some book regular weekly visits,” Killbride says. “I like that I get to meet a bunch of dogs and can help people who aren’t able to clean their own yard.” Killbride has learned important money management skills over the past five years but
▲ Iyla Killbride & (dog) Clara Hudson Photo by Story Thorburn
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