Chinook’s Edge students nominated for Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award

Penhold Crossing Principal Clark Peters commented, “Hayden is an amazing human being. She does the right thing for the right reason. She isn’t looking for acclaim. She gets involved in our school and quietly makes a difference. She has a positive impact on our school culture.”

Jeff Anderson, a teacher who coached Gambin on the school’s volleyball team, submitted a letter of nomination on her behalf.

“Hayden works hard to maintain excellence in academic standards in all of her classes. Also, her leadership in many extracurricular activities allowed her to exhibit her excellent positive attitude and focus to impact others. She puts 100 per cent effort into every position or endeavor she pursues,” Anderson said in the letter.

Gambin was surprised to hear of her nomination.

“I think of myself as kind of quiet, so it was unexpected and also cool,” she said. “I’d like to thank Mr. Anderson for the years he has helped me grow — not just in volleyball but as a person. He has helped me gain confidence.”

She added that she is proud of her Indigenous heritage, which comes from her grandmother on her father’s side.

Gambin has applied to study psychology at Red Deer Polytechnic and is also considering pursuing studies in architecture.

Scott has been on a journey to learn more about her Indigenous heritage, an effort that was noticed by the staff at École Olds High School.

“My biological father, who I never met, is Métis,” said Scott, “but I didn’t know that until a few years ago. Being Métis means a lot to me, and has increased my sense of pride in myself.”

Jamie-Dee Marshall, Student Support Lead, said Scott’s journey has been inspiring.

“We have seen the power of the Indigenous culture in her journey,” commented Marshall.

Staff shared, when Scott first started attending the school, she seemed hesitant and could be reluctant to engage with learning, but that all changed when she began her cultural journey.

“There was a profound shift,” observed Jana Kemmere, Vice Principal. “Rayna has found strength in her Indigenous roots, and her commitment to learning about her heritage has given her a renewed sense of purpose and direction.”

Staff added she has now become a leader in the school.

“It’s been a joy to witness,” said Marshall. “She has not only embraced her culture, but has become an advocate for it within our school and community.”

Scott serves on the Chinook’s Edge Indigenous Students Matter committee, where she shares ideas with leadership and speaks up for the needs of Indigenous students.

Additionally, she has helped the school’s Wahkohtowin Indigenous Club flourish, bringing in other students to learn about Indigenous culture and share stories of resilience, and sharing ideas on how to introduce Indigenous Studies 10 to the school.

“Rayna Scott is a true example of the strength, leadership, and resilience that the [award] aims to recognize,” said Sherrie Galanis, an educational assistant and one of the four nominators. “Her dedication to her culture, her community, and her own personal growth make her a deserving candidate for this award.”

Scott hopes to enter the health care profession, possibly as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Chinook’s Edge students nominated for Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award

What's Trending