Several Squamish students in the Reconnect Alternative Program (RAP) through Howe Sound Secondary were recently awarded for their artistic abilities at an arts fair in Vancouver last month.
RAP, currently located at the Squamish Youth Centre, is a school for students who, for various reasons, don't excel in standard school environments.
The RAP students had entered a contest with the Lower Mainland Alternative Programs who were hosting an Alternative School Arts Fair May 10 to 14 at the Roundhouse Community Arts Centre in Vancouver.
"Nina Fields, one of the youth care workers here knew about the contest and she encouraged the kids to submit their work and get it in by deadline," said Marnee Watson, another RAP youth care worker. "The kids are pretty talented."
Indeed, so talented that many took home top honours from the fair.
Student Sam Carter won first place for one of her charcoal drawings in the junior category, Chris Halle also won first for his wire men 3-D sculptures, plus third and an honourable mention for two of his pen & ink drawings in the junior category.
Josh Lewis earned a first place for his 3-D mixed media cedar hat in the senior category and "Addiction Madness" by Josh Pettersen, Kayla Giroux, Daniel Nitschke, Jake Shewman & Tammi Richardson placed third in the video category.
"It was the first time our kids submitted work for a contest like this," said Watson. "But it won't be the last."
She said many of the students initially didn't think they had anything to offer.
"This shows them how valuable their work is," she said. "They didn't think they were doing anything special, but this gives them lots of encouragement that they can accomplish things."
