Design by Cando student selected in logo contest

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Grade 12 student Purcell Moosomin was the guest of honour during a celebration at Cando community school on Dec. 16, held to unveil his logo design for the Living Sky School Division.

According to Shelly Janostin, communications co-ordinator for the Living Sky School Division, a competition was held to find a logo for the division, newly created through amalgamation of three existing school divisions-The Lands West School Division, the Battlefords School Division and portions of the Biggar School Division.

The challenge was geared to all grade levels. Each of the old school divisions chose the best entries received and gave them to a committee of individuals representing the new school division. There were more than 80 entries for the committee to review.

Janostin said that each school division was given a lesson plan and a video that introduced them to the community and culture of the Living Sky School Division.

Moosomin's design includes images of feathers, wheat, trees and an oil well silhouetted against a setting sun. The images are surrounded by a circle that has been divided into four quadrants and coloured white, yellow, red and blue.

"Purcell's logo came very close to the representation that the committee was looking for. The logo chosen displays the diverse landscape of the region. A circle encloses the images and the colours reflect the First Nations education circle. The colours in the circle have symbolic meaning, which represent the earth and its surroundings. The circle also demonstrates a continuation of learning, as our motto indicates-Living to Learn."

The 17-year-old from Mosquito First Nation said he was surprised when he found out that his logo was chosen.

"It took me a half hour to design the logo," said Moosomin. "I kept doing it over and over again. I did one in colour and in black and white."

When asked what he enjoys most about drawing, Moosomin said "Everything ... Sometimes I'm surprised at what I can create."

He was six or seven when he began drawing. Moosomin said he must have inherited his interest in art from his dad.

"My dad is an artist. He does pencil sketches and paints," he said proudly.

Moosomin said he's focused on being an artist with the hopes of attending either the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Regina to major in fine arts after graduating from high school.

Moosomin's original logo was framed and presented to Cando principal Tammy Riel. It will be displayed in the school in recognition of Moosomin's achievement.

Moosomin received $100 for creating the winning logo, but he said the most important thing he has gained from this contest is confidence.

"People shouldn't give up when they think they can't do something," said Moosomin. "They have to have faith in themselves, just like I do."