School district rewarding creative thinking
Students eligible for Canada 150 Innovation Creativity Entrepreneurship Awards
Lethbridge School District 51 is striving to foster innovative thinking among students through the Canada 150 Innovation Creativity Entrepreneurship (ICE) Awards.
The awards were created last year in an effort to showcase the district’s new vision, while also celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary.
“What we really want to do is emphasize innovation within our schools,” said Christine Light, School District 51 trustee.
The scholarships provide students the opportunity to “create projects that show off their innovation and creativity.”
“Hopefully they can bring a project that could in turn, have influence on their school community, or their community at large,” she said.
Recipients are not chosen by grades, but rather their ability to demonstrate forward thinking through innovation, creativity or entrepreneurship, whether it be through a project, achievement or learning endeavour.
“We definitely want to have innovative thinkers that can think outside the box, that can think for change and can think of growth,” said Light.
The areas students tackle are endless. One of the previous recipients explored to what extent the Taipei 101 skyscraper reflects Asian and western influences of art and culture.
Applications open on Monday and all high school students are eligible to apply. Students may submit a project they've already completed, are currently working on, or are looking to explore.
“We have the funding and we really want to be able to encourage and support our students,” Light explained.
In just one year, the amount of awards available have doubled. Now there are four $1,000 scholarships — two for students in Grade nine or 10 and two for students in Grade 11 or 12.
But, the scholarships would not be possible without the help of the community.
On Valentine’s Day the district, in partnership with the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting the “For the Love of Innovation: Paying it Forward” scholarship breakfast.
It’s a perfect opportunity for local businesses to attend as award-winning Michael Kerr is slated to speak.
“He’s a very dynamic speaker,” said Light. “He speaks primarily on leadership in the workplace.”
Tickets are $50 per person, or $375 for a table of eight.
For more information about the ICE Awards, or scholarship breakfast, visit