BC Hydro announces winners in province-wide school contest

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BC Hydro announced the winners of its Role Model Challenge contest for Grade 4 students as part of its sponsorship of the 7th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Vancouver on March 10.

"The purpose of the contest was to help students across B.C. identify their own role models and think about the positive impacts such people can have on their lives," said Senior Vice President of Executive Operations Gary Rodford. "We wish to thank the many teachers throughout the province who conducted the contest, and the hundreds of students who submitted their essays and posters."

Students were asked to write a short essay describing a person they consider to be a role model, and the impact that person has had on them. Students were also requested to create and submit a poster that reflects their appreciation of Aboriginal cultures in Canada and their understanding of the contributions of Aboriginal cultures to Canadian society.

The winners of the contest are Karissa Fletcher, Stephen Neasloss, Cole Sayers and Divina Tadeja.

Each winner receives a trip for four to attend the Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Vancouver, including travel, accommodations, tickets to the awards ceremony and a few surprises.

Each classmate of the four winners receives a T-shirt and every student who submitted an entry receives a certificate of participation.

In addition, the names of all the schools in the province that participated in the contest were entered into a draw to win a personal computer. The school that won the brand-new computer is Moricetown Elementary School located near Smithers.

Karissa Fletcher attends John Tod Elementary School in Kamloops.

"My role model is my grandma and she taught me how to grow up and be the person I am today, and to respect other people," wrote Karissa. "She helps me with my problems and listens to people when they need someone to talk to. My grandma doesn't tell me to do better, she tells me to do my best. She wants me to go to university. My grandma's never received an award, but I would give her an award for being the best grandma ever. I love her very much."

Stephen Neasloss attends Kitasoo Community School in Klemtu.

"My role model is my aunt Vera. She grew up in Klemtu and works in the Kitasoo Community School," wrote Stephen. "She is proud of her nieces and nephews. She is wise, friendly, kind, smart, brave, generous, hard working and strong. Her advice for young people is to stay in school and work hard. She also says it is important to learn your culture so it won't be lost."

Divina Tadeja attends Britannia Elementary School in Vancouver.

"My role model is my mom and I want to be like her when I grow up," wrote Divina. "She is a great high school teacher and when I have a hard time at something, she helps me. And when she is not busy, she spends her time with me. She inspires me and I like everything about her."

Cole Sayers attends Haahuupayuk School in Port Alberni.

"My role model is my mom. She is Hupacasath which is one of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations," wrote Cole. "By using her education, experience and help from her Elders, family and community, she has been able to achieve many things in her life. Her advice to young people is to believe in yourself, reach for the stars and you can become anything you want to be, and do anything you want to do." Cole's mom, Judith Sayers, is both the chief and chief negotiator for the Hupacasath band.