A story to remember...
Our story...
In the middle of January 2015, Anahim Lake Elementary/Junior Secondary was visited by a full documentary film crew for approximately one week. The film crew included 5 members: Producer (Tara Johns), Director (Jeremie Levesque), an Editor, a Camera Man, and a Sound Technician. The film crew filmed the school in its natural state for the week. They filmed classes, assemblies and all other normal school activities. The purpose of the project was to highlight the Breakfast Program where the school provides warm breakfast and lunches to our students on a daily basis. This money is partially provided by the Breakfast Club of Canada which is primarily based in Eastern Canada. The spokesperson for the Breakfast Club of Canada is All-Star N.H.L. goalie Carey Price who is also an alumni of Anahim Lake Elementary/ Junior Secondary School. The purpose of the project was to highlight a day in the life of one of the school's students: grade 6 student Trent Leon. The idea was to demonstrate how the Breakfast Program is helping lead youth towards healthier and more successful lives.
One of the highlights of the project was that the involvement of internationally renowned artist, Marina Papais, and master woodworker, Daniel Collett, who spent a combined two weeks with the students of the school creating two large glass art pieces. Both Marina and Dan are retired BC teachers who enjoy volunteering their time in giving back to students through art. The project was partially aimed at commemorating Carey Price for his excellence and contributions to the school and community of Anahim Lake. Every student participated in the making of this project and it will stand in the front entrance of the school for many years to come. The project took almost a combined month of work and preparation and encompasses a large glass tile border which highlights the students of the month. This project was then photographed professionally by the film crew and then made into a giant thank you card that was signed by all students. The photo of the students working on the project and the final product was put on the centre of the card. Then, grade 6 student, Trent Leon, and the Principal of the school, Mikel Brogan, travelled to Montreal with the film crew to personally deliver the thank you card to Carey Price on behalf of the students and community. Students also made cards with personalized messages which were also delivered to Carey. It was important to me as Principal of the school that the students acknowledge and give back to Carey for his many contributions to the school through the Breakfast Club of Canada. It means a lot that we are able to offer our students hot breakfasts and lunches on a daily basis. The students very much appreciate this and embraced this ideal and went above and beyond in their efforts to thank Carey. This is something that was touching for all involved.
In Montreal, the film crew filmed Trent hand delivering the cards to Carey Price after flying First Class from Anahim Lake to Montreal. Then Carey left his normal practice with his team, the Montreal Canadians, and spent almost an hour with Trent Leon taking shots on him Filming this experience was over half a dozen of cameras including numerous Montreal film channels and the hit reality show, 24/7 CH, which is a very popular reality show in Quebec that essentially follows the daily life of the Montreal Canadians.
Also in Montreal, Trent spent a day going to various schools that have the Breakfast Program. He and I helped serve food to students at these schools. It was a another good way for Trent to express his appreciation for the Breakfast Program.
The broader scope for this project was to bring the community of Anahim Lake together so that everyone felt a closer connection to the school and each other. Additionally, it was the goal of this project to increase a sense of ownership among students and to strengthen their sense of belonging within the school. It is the feeling of many in the community that this project went above and beyond in achieving these goals. This project has been a big sense of pride for all students and other members of the community who took part in making it. The fact that we were able to honour Carey with this project for his many contributions to Anahim Lake School and the community only made the whole process even that much more special.
In regards to the Carey Price portion of the bench, the idea was to show the development of Carey from a youth growing up in Anahim Lake to the leader he is now. On the bench in the project, we can see the sun rising over Anahim Peak which symbolizes Carey’s inception into the world and as the image progresses to the East (or to the right of the bench), we can see a large glass star made of reflective mirror. This star symbolizes Carey’s success. The idea for this was so that the students could look into the star and see their own faces. It was explained to the students that with hard work and determination, they, like Carey, can achieve their dreams and become a star in whatever they strive to become in their lives.
For those who are in the Anahim Lake area, please stop by the school and check out the project as it is now on permanent display at the front entrance along with other notable signed pictures of Carey. Below are some photos of the project from beginning to the unveiling ceremonies. Please take the time to take a look!
I would like to extend a big thank you to all students, staff and community members who took part in the creation of this beautiful project!
For more information, here are a few local and national articles about the story:
Superintendent's Blog: https://bigrocksfirstblog.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/the-story-behind-the-anahim-lake-school-viral-video/#comments
Williams Lake Tribune Article: http://www.wltribune.com/news/297537951.html
Global Television: http://globalnews.ca/news/1901759/habs-goalie-carey-price-chokes-up-after-emotional-meeting-with-b-c-boy/
The National Post: http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/montreal-canadiens-carey-price-receives-emotional-visit-from-11-year-old-boy-from-hometown-that-goes-viral/
CBC Radio West Interview: http://www.cbc.ca/radiowest/2015/03/24/bc-boy-meets-hometown-hero-carey-price-in-montreal/
CFNR FM Article and Radio Interview: http://cfnrfm.ca/anahim-lake-student-meets-hockey-hero-in-montreal/
The Province Newspaper Article and Video: http://www.theprovince.com/.../Anahim.../10916451/story.html
CBC Canada Article: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/carey-price-gets-emotional-in-meeting-with-b-c-boy-1.3006502
CBC Article: http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/sports/story/1.3006502
The Huff Post Article (U.S.A.): http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/23/carey-price-gifts-anahim-lake_n_6928564.html
CHECK News: http://www.cheknews.ca/carey-price-gets-emotional-in-meeting-with-b-c-boy/
24 Montreal: http://www.24hmontreal.canoe.ca/24hmontreal/sports/archives/2015/03/20150323-112421.html
Montreal Canadians Website: http://www.gohabsgo.com/2015/03/23/video-carey-price-tears-up-after-a-great-gift/
Saskatchewan News Article: http://newssaskatchewan.ca/2015/03/23/habs-price-gets-emotional-in-meeting-with-b-c-boy/
Feedback from around Canada:
I watched the video which contained the young man and wanted to give all the teachers of your school Kudos for the humility displayed in this young man. Its also quite present in the man we all know as Carey Price. Your school has done an excellent job in teaching core values. It wonderful to see how such a simple act of kindness can mean so much to even the greatest of public figures and also in the youngest of men. I find it wonderful to have such a great role model as an ambassador of your school. Your teachers help to instill the best of core values and in the future leads to their courage to achieve greatness. I thank you as a mere viewer for all you have done and continue to do to shape the minds of the youths enrolled in your school. My hats off to you educators...keep up the great work....
Christina of Maine ...formerly of Edmundston N.B Canada
The creation of our project...
The unveiling of our hard work...
Celebrating/enjoying our hard work...
Thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication in creating a stronger sense of ownership and belonging in our school!