If there was ever any doubt as to the enthusiasm put into the annual campaign hosted by UCHS, all one needed to do was head to the gym April 12. More than 24 “Activators” rehearsed prior to show time, along with the “King of Kindness," Cooper the Coop mascot and Fat Cat the Credit Union mascot.
As students filed in the gym, the excitement was palpable. Even 2015 graduate, Alana Neil, who was on the PSCC committee the year “Activate” began, commented that she could not believe how the campaign has gained momentum. Her ever-present smile was evidence that she liked what she saw.
The show included pyrotechnics, dance moves, a big screen showcasing projects and winners, prizes and lots of cheering.
The program was kicked off with all of the UCHS Activators leading a dance on the stage. Activators are students who volunteer to lead their class in projects and activity that promote the Activate initiative.
Eastend School was contacted over Skype and they talked about their fundraising project to adopt a room at Ronald McDonald house in Saskatoon. Their goal was to raise $30,000, however, they vastly exceeded this goal by raising $65,000 for the Ronald McDonald house.
Special guests in attendance were a class from Connaught school in North Battleford. Spokespeople for their group talked of their projects to be kind that included several components. When leaving UCHS to return home, several of them talked of their excitement to tell their friends of their experience and wanting others to know about the Activate campaign.
Seventeen-year-old Natayla Shevchuk of North Battleford Composite High School was also in attendance. She commended UCHS on the Activate campaign and assured students that people are “definitely talking about it.” Natayla was awarded $150 from the RBC for promoting Canada 150 as part of their program to have students create a “give back” project. Shevchuk created the Blessing Box which is located behind the library in North Battleford. People are encouraged to put in items that otherwise cannot be afforded by those in need. Items like diapers, bathroom supplies, hygiene supplies and other necessities. The concept is similar to the take and leave libraries that are seen in other communities.
An Academy awards themed introduction was given for all entries before winners were announced, eliciting drum rolls from the audience. UPS Grade 6 won the grades 4-6 project category, while UCHS 7B class won the junior high project category. Senior French won the grades 10-12 project with their video, while “Joe's Group” won the video category from Grade 8. Connaught school was commended and congratulated with a commemorative certificate for their project and for being the only out-of-town entry. Senior high poster category was won by Madison Gilbert, while Grade 9 poster winner was Rheanne Hofmann. Zya Taylor won the Grade 7 poster category.
The program was concluded with the other “School of Rock” entertaining the crowd, as Mr. Bick was joined on stage by Dallas Spendelow, Ethan Heather, Ethan Greenwald, Owen Keller and Jaclyn Stabbler, as they performed a rock song complete with smoke, lights and plenty of awesome music.
As this year’s Activate campaign closes, students are already working on campaign goals for next year. The entire program was live streamed through the Living Sky school division website and will also be featured on the Activate website activatedotuchs.wordpress.com.
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