Three talented students from high schools within the Grand Erie District School Board have earned the prestigious OSSTF/FEESO Student Achievement Awards for their outstanding work in the arts.
Hayden Mitchell and Ethan Harrison, both students from Pauline Johnson Collegiate in Brantford, were recognized for their visual arts talents, with Mitchell receiving the intermediate-level award and Harrison the senior-level award. Gracie Smith, a student at McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia, was honored with the intermediate-level award for her exceptional prose and poetry.
OSSTF/FEESO president Karen Littlewood expressed her admiration for the students’ creativity, stating, “The remarkable creativity of Ontario students never ceases to inspire me. This year’s theme, ‘Is Anyone Out There?’ inspired powerful artistic expressions that explore connection, isolation, and the search for belonging. It’s a testament to the depth and insight of Ontario students and the incredible work they produce.”
Hayden Mitchell’s Artistic Vision
Mitchell’s winning piece, Unheard Cry, is a painting that features an astronaut’s helmet and space suit on the moon’s surface, with Earth visible in the distant background. The piece is designed to provoke thought about the perspective of the universe, encouraging viewers to consider how other beings might perceive humanity.
“It’s to make people think about what else might be out there, and how they would see us from their point of view, rather than us seeing ourselves from our own,” said Mitchell, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student. Mitchell, who has been drawing since elementary school, began painting three years ago and is now considering a future in art. “Winning this award is a big motivator to keep doing art, try different techniques, and keep pursuing this path,” he added.
Ethan Harrison’s Cosmic Creation
Harrison’s award-winning piece, Cosmic Roots, is a unique creation made from wood and resin, encased in epoxy. The artwork features marbles to represent planets and plastic parts designed to resemble an alien spacecraft. The bottom layer of colored epoxy symbolizes the Milky Way, with the marbles acting as planets, and a top coat of clear epoxy to complete the piece.
“The process was long, but it was inspired by videos on YouTube showing river tables being made,” Harrison explained. His interest in woodworking began with his grandfather, and over time, it became a hobby and eventually a business. Harrison now runs Hammerhead & Co., where he crafts charcuterie boards, butcher blocks, and tables. “Sketching the concept for a project turns woodworking into art,” he said.
Gracie Smith’s Literary Achievement
Gracie Smith, a Grade 10 student at McKinnon Park Secondary School, won the intermediate-level award for prose and poetry with her piece titled A Journey of Hope. The story follows a girl named Mira on her quest to find a sorcerer who holds the power to save her terminally ill sister.
Smith, a passionate creative writer, explained, “It started as a love for reading, and I thought it’d be cool to write my own ideas down.” She dreams of a future centered around writing and literature. “It’s great to be able to share my work on a higher level, and it’s a great honor to receive an award on a provincial level,” she said.
These remarkable students have showcased their talent and creativity, earning recognition for their hard work and dedication to their craft. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to students across Ontario.
