StudentSUCCESS Chilliwack
S H I N I N G A S P O T L I G H T O N S T U D E N T S U C C E S S I N C H I L L I WA C K ▶ June 2014
Aim of student project is to eradicate hunger
Student Success photo
Plans are already underway for this year’s Halloween for Hunger event.
BY NADIA VAN DEN BERG SUCCESS: Sardis Secondary
Target goal of 5,000 food items
To be hungry at school when your friend takes out his sandwich, hungry at night when you cannot fall asleep because of your growling stomach, hungry at work when your co-worker goes “out for lunch,” this is a challenge many have never faced, and probably never will. However, for more than 3,800 people in Chilliwack, this is their stark reality on a daily basis. In 2009, the first ever Free the Children We Day Vancouver was held at G.M. Place. With more than 16, 000 students in attendance, it was a day to inspire, give hope, and motivate.
Students from all over British Columbia went to Vancouver; many coming from Chilliwack. It was here that the idea of Halloween for Hunger was first introduced. The challenge: going out on Halloween night to collect non-perishable food items instead of candy in aid of local food banks in your community. In Chilliwack, the project began relatively small, with a few eager students from numerous middle and high schools going out and knocking on doors. However, over the course of four years, Halloween for Hunger has become one
of the largest youth operated community service projects in Chilliwack. In October 2013, more than 120 volunteers from six schools, including Sardis Secondary, G.W. Graham, Mount Slesse Middle School, Vedder Middle School, and Chilliwack Middle School came together, collecting 5,260 items in one single night. This year, Halloween for Hunger 2014 is already in motion, and the plan is to surpass the goal of 5,000 items once again. Although students have not yet eradicated hunger from our community, they have given us hope.
WEX gives students real-life exposure BY ESTHER KIM SUCCESS: Chilliwack Middle School
In life, everyone has aspiring dreams and goals they want to achieve. However, these goals are often clear as mud, especially during high school. The district-wide Work Experience Program (WEX) provides opportunities for all teens with hands-on work experience. WEX is an extra four-credit course for high school students outside the timetable where students have the opportunity to explore and learn about different work fields in Chilliwack. There are eight focus areas students can discover such as Business & Applied Business, Health and Human Services, Science & Applied Science and more. This all year-
round program is provided to high schools such as Sardis Secondary, Chilliwack Secondary and G.W. Graham Middle-Secondary School and other alternative sites to fully meet every student’s need. In addition, students are required to complete 100 hours which can be structured to suit every schedule. As early as Grade 10, students can develop employability skills, gain quality and authentic work experience in their choice of field while networking in the community. There are many benefits to the WEX program.
Cultus Lake Golf Club
6473661
18 Hole Par 63
“The WEX is phenomenal. I learned so many valuables lessons and employability skills I know I will need for my career,” says a Grade 12 Sardis student. It gives students a sense of direction for their future by providing opportunities to fulfil any prerequisites and create a well-rounded portfolio. Moreover, one of the biggest advantages of this program is the networking between not only the students from other schools with similar interests, but with possible future employers and members of the Chilliwack community. As a
&
D R I V I N G
Beautiful! Place to be
DRIVING RANGE • TOURNAMENTS WELCOME • OPEN ALL YEAR
result, social skills are also enhanced during their placement. The five dedicated co-ordinator and facilitators of the WEX department work as a liaison to many businesses and charitable organizations which cultivates new passions for teens. “This program is for everyone,” says the Sardis senior student. “It is uniquely designed to match your schedule and your interests.” WEX is an exemplary program that truly provides unique experiences and prepares students with life skills before they take their step in to the real world. ☛ For more information, please visit: www. workexperience.sd33.org or email:workexperience@sd33.bc.ca.
R A N G E
Junior Golf Camps Every Week All Summer
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 DAYS A WEEK
• Call 604.858.9902 • www.golfcultus.com