For one Grade 4 class at Wishart Elementary, the Canada 150 Art Tree Project became a way for them to honour a fallen classmate and work towards healing.
Nine year-old Evelyn Ooms was tragically killed earlier this year, the victim of a January car crash on Shawnigan Lake Road.
OomsB次元官网网址檚 teacher, Merridee Hamilton says the tragedy has loomed large on both her and her students.
B次元官网网址淲e have all felt her loss in different ways and I along with the students have struggled to find our way after this tragedy,B次元官网网址� she said.
The project, which was funded through the City of Colwood, asked students to produce mixed-media posters in order to celebrate CanadaB次元官网网址檚 sesquicentennial. HamiltonB次元官网网址檚 class did that B次元官网网址� focusing on CanadaB次元官网网址檚 passion for sports, the environment and a central theme of connectivity B次元官网网址� but they also found a way to honour Ooms.
B次元官网网址淲e included EvelynB次元官网网址檚 name on the art as she will always be a member of our class,B次元官网网址� Hamilton said.
The class got some good news following the completion of the project, earning the top prize in a competition that included the participation of nine schools and organizations in Colwood.
The online poll to determine the winner was conducted late last month, and WishartB次元官网网址檚 piece earned 1,041 votes to put them in first, ahead of Sangster ElementaryB次元官网网址檚 907. All of the submissions received strong support in the online vote.
For placing first, the students will receive a guided field trip to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, with renowned Victoria storyteller John Adams regaling them with unique tales and events in the siteB次元官网网址檚 past.
B次元官网网址淎s with most children, my students love to be outside and we are so lucky to have such a wonderful location to learn and explore in,B次元官网网址� Hamilton said.
All of the schools who participated received cake, cookies and other treats.
The projects were run by facilitator Rebecca Barnard of the West Shore Arts Council.
The artwork will be on display at Colwood events throughout the year, including Eats & Beats on July 15 and the Colwood Seaside Festival on Sept. 17.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
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