Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle

Being yourself is the most important person you can be. But getting there isn’t always the road most travelled.

This is what students at Southern Okanagan Secondary School have learned, and it was all on display during a celebration of achievement on Jan. 18.

Pupils showed off their semester 1 studies to the public via numerous displays including some impressive artwork.

Teacher Lindsey Kingsfield said it was “fantastic” to bring the event back to the public after two years of COVID restrictions.

“The kids are so proud to see their artwork on display,” she noted, adding it makes them feel connected to the community. 

Kingsfield said the event brought a bit of high stakes to the game, but it taught students how to handle the stress that adulthood will throw at them soon.

“There’s a lot on the line . . . at the end, there isn’t a single student in any of my classes who does not have a display tonight. And some students had to really struggle to get here to make it happen.”

Kingsfield said this showed the youth that they have what it takes to persevere. Resiliency; that’s one of the keys that SOSS is putting in the students’ pockets.

For example, Grade 11 Indigenous student Calcifer Havig presented a display of artwork including the mythical creature known as “Wihtikow” (Wendigo), a man-eating monster.

“I struggle a lot with my mental health, which you will probably see through my art; it has a dark side which helps me take out that emotion.” 

Havig said the legend of the Wihtikow comes from First Nations culture. The student gave it a life of its own through the medium of scratch art (scraping black ink off paper). 

Havig has a desire to sell this kind of artwork online and is branching out to include more watercolours.

The youth also has a passion for culinary arts. “I always liked cooking. I feel like it’s a part of me and it brings people together.”

Grade 12 student Phi Thai said the show was inspiring, particularly seeing everyone connecting through their art.

Thai is taking some heavy academic courses this year, so she took art to give herself a mental break.

“I learned it’s really important to take time for yourself, to find things that make you feel that you belong,” she said.

When asked what she would change about the world if she had the power, Thai referred to society’s expectations.

“It’s easier for people to reduce stress by understanding that society’s standards aren’t anything to live up to.”

Thai admitted that she often compares herself to others, but with art she has learned to overcome that downfall.

Grade 9 student Faith Klone said she is considering two career options – a story animator or a baker. She admitted that she loves her mom’s apple pie.

If she had the power to change one thing in the world, it would be to teach people how to be more kind to others.

“Sometimes people can just be mean.”

Klone said she keeps a journal to help her manage daily stress and anxiety. “It really helps a lot.” 

French teacher Kristin Arnason welcomed people into her room where a French bistro was offered just for fun.

She showed curious parents some projects her students have been working on, including a short film based on a novel they read.

Grade 12 student Nicholas Lang said he took French to balance some of the “heavy” courses he is taking, such as physics and pre-calculus.

“There’s a lot of homework every night, so it’s tough to find time for myself to look at the good things in life.”

Lang said it’s important to find happiness in the smaller things and not get so frustrated and wrapped up with the big things.

For example, the short film they did wasn’t for marks; it was just a fun project to bring students closer together.

“It took a lot of stress away . . . we had some good memories as friends, not having to worry about getting an ‘A’ on it.”

Lang said the film is based on a book they read about a girl who moves into a haunted house in town. One funny scene shows Lang and another student apparently tiptoeing around the school like a couple of sleuths. One parent brayed laughter upon glimpsing the scene.

When asked about a career choice, Lang said he could easily lie and describe an occupation that he has dreamed about since being a kid. But no, he won’t do that. He does have a passion for creative building and would like to get his “red seal” carpenter’s ticket on his way to a civil engineering career. How’s that for ambition?

“I don’t want to waste my physics and math; I owe it to myself to make something out of it.”

Lang acknowledged that youth are subject to a lot of stress and anxiety these days. He said the key for him is to keep up healthy relationships and talk to friends. He personally likes to forget all his woes on the ice when he plays hockey. That’s where he dumps all of his emotions.

As for changing the world, he would like to see an end to bloodshed in Ukraine. 

Grade 11 student Calcifer Havig presents artwork featuring the mythical creature known as the ‘Wihtikow’ during an achievment night at SOSS on Jan. 18.
(Lyonel Doherty photo)

Phi Thai with her artwork.
(Lyonel Doherty photo)

Ethan Pearle perforns a song on guitar.
(Lyonel Doherty photo)