10 Under 20

10 20under

Ten Talented Islanders Under 20 to Watch 2022

When we think about talented Islanders, we often focus on adult accomplishments. But young people can—and often do—exhibit outstanding talent. They are driven to succeed and work undaunted towards their goals.

We’ve put together a list of ten talented young Islanders who stand out and show promise before the age of twenty.

By Jacqui Chaisson Photos Story Thorburn, Hayeon Baek

▲ Morgan Saunders Photo by Hayeon Baek Morgan Saunders is a 9-year-old actress from Charlottetown. Her acting journey started in 2020 when she was cast in a national PEI Potato commercial. Furrow Studio asked her back for two more national commercials. Local film director Kelly Caseley took notice and cast Saunders in three episodes of the national TV comedy, Aww Shucks.

Saunders was bitten by the acting bug and enrolled in acting classes via zoom with the Toronto Academy of Acting. Her instructor thought she had “great acting instincts” and recommended her to a talent agency. An interview followed and Saunders was offered a three-year contract with Susan J Talent in Toronto.

She works extremely hard at her craft; weekly lessons with the LeBlanc School of Acting (Vancouver), coaching for auditions with Diggstown star Shailene Garnett (whom Morgan met while doing background work while they were filming in PEI). A highlight was being coached by actress Eliza Roberts (American actor, Eric Roberts’ wife.)

Other credits include an international marketing campaign for the US company Buddy Wipes (three commercials and print modeling), and a social media marketing campaign for Fredericton Airport. Saunders has just finished filming season two of The Community Players, playing the role of Cindy Gallant.

Saunders is represented by Scott Carlson Entertainment and is currently auditioning for Hollywood movies and network TV shows.

Morgan’s motto is “Dream big and work for it!”

LEXIS FRANCIS Dancer

For 12-year-old Lexis Francis dancing has been a way to connect to her cultural roots. “Dancing has always been part of the Mi’kmaq culture. I can feel it through my body when I hear the beat of the drum or the tune of a song.” Francis explains, “Song and dance is part of our traditional Mi’kmaq Mawi’omi (or gatherings) and a way for us to connect and share our culture with others.”

Francis started dancing at the age of three. “I love being able to express myself through dance and movement, it brings me great joy and happiness.”

Francis performs jazz, ballet and pointe with the Island Dance Academy and fancy shawl and hoop dance with Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. Fancy shawl dancing is a style of Indigenous dancing that includes fast-paced footwork and centers around a fancy shawl draped over the dancer and their wingspan.

Fancy shawl regalia is worn by the dancer and often has elaborate colours and designs, with ribbon fringes along the edges of the shawl, as well as a skirt. The dancing often resembles a butterfly with swift movements, dancing like they are flying in the air.

“I want to be a professional dancer and eventually open my own dance studio to teach others how to dance,” Francis says, “I will be performing at various venues across PEI this year, including being back at the Confederation Centre of the Arts for noontime shows in the amphitheatre in July.”

▲Lexis Francis Photo by Story Thorburn

AKIRA LANE

▲ Akira Lane Photo courtesy of Akira Lane Entrepreneur - She Rocks!

Akira Lane may only be 11 years old, but she has just started her second business. “I started with the Young Millionaires Program last summer in a partnership with my friend, Peyton, and our business name was the Mini Makers of PEI. We did well and were the recipients of the Award of Excellence.” Lane says, “We were invited to ‘Breakfast with the Premier’ and spoke to the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and Premier King!”

The partners decided to dissolve their business and in January of 2022 Lane launched her new venture, She Rocks! “I make jewellery from semi-precious stones so I thought the name She Rocks! would fit my business perfectly,” Lane says, “I design and create custom bracelets and rings and offer hand-painted seashells, coaster sets, and bookmarks.”

The debut for She Rocks! was at the 2022 Etsy Atlantic Spring Market. “It was an amazing day!” says Lane. “I’m very proud of my finished products and hope everyone loves them as much as I do.”

Lane is looking forward to the summer so she can devote more time to her business. You can find She Rocks! at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market and many craft fairs from now until December. Also, her products can be found at the Handcrafted House in Travellers Rest, Red Island Handcrafted in Charlottetown, the Makers Place in Rusticoville and the Chotto Shoppe located in the Delta.

“I have big plans! I want to continue with my business for as long as possible. I’m learning the practice chanter at the College of Piping in the hopes of one day earning some extra money playing the bagpipes for events and one day I would like to be an engineer or an architect. Or maybe an astronomer. Or study fossils. It’s good to have dreams!” says Lane.

CHLOE

SCHURMAN Entrepreneur - Chloe’s Designs

Twelve-year-old Chloe Schurman is the owner of Chloe’s Designs. Launched in June 2021, Schurman creates vibrant, intricate resin pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, and key chains.

“It started when I received a resin kit for Christmas from my parents. I really enjoyed experimenting and creating different jewellery,” says Schurman, “It started to become expensive, so we decided to try to sell some of the jewelry. I took some rings and earrings to school to sell for five dollars to my friends and by the end of the week I had made $100. That got me quite excited and shortly after I decided to join the Young Millionaires program for the summer to see if I could make it into a business.”

2022 is the second year she has been a part of this program. “I am so happy to be part of it. I attended some classes initially, and they coached us on how to start a business. Throughout the program, they gave me opportunities to sell my products across the Island at various craft shows/fairs. It really is an amazing program.” You can find Chloe’s Designs at various businesses across the Island such as Handcrafted House in Summerside, The Hen House in Travellers Rest and Little Black Dress in Charlottetown.

“I love the creative side of making jewelry, I like to experiment using fun and vibrant colours, and doing different styles of resin jewelry,” Schurman says. “I really like seeing the joy on people’s faces when they buy my jewelry, it makes me feel very proud, and I am glad that my jewelry makes others happy.”

▲ Chloe Schurman Photo Story Thorburn

DOIRAN Entrepreneur - Seaview Candles

▲Porter Doiran Photo by Jacqui Chaisson

Porter Doiron was nine years old when he launched his venture Seaview Candles in 2018. “I went to the Young Millionaires’ Program for three years. I wanted to create something that people liked, and used, that was a great idea,” Doiron says. “My parents work in the tourism industry, and I have lots of opportunities to sell the candles.”

Seaview Candles are soy candles free from parabens, phthalates and scented with essential and fragrance oils. His best sellers are nineounce candles in jars.

“This year we will be adding a new line of candles in modern cement vessels. “We also have a line of ‘Porter’s Misfits’ that are created in pottery vessels, that are not quite perfect, misfits from some local potters.”

The scents for Seaview Candles are inspired by Doiron’s memories of growing up on the Island. Nannie’s Cinnamon, Poppa’s Orchard and Cavendish Coast are just a few of the fragrances that are available. You can find Seaview Candles at Cottage Life Boutique, PEI Preserve Company, Gagnon Beach Campground, and two more wholesalers.

Doiron plans to grow the business to include more customized candles to wholesale and level up the vessels and packaging.

KEIRA

LOANE Country Singer/Songwriter

Keira Loane is a 17-yearold country singer/ songwriter living in Kilmuir, PEI. Originally from Cape Breton, NS, Loane started singing onstage at only four years old.

In 2019, Loane won the PEI Youth Talent Competition at Northumberland Fisheries and took home first place at the final competition. She has been involved in this talent show since 2017. She has also sung with Island talents such as Maxine MacLennan and Kim Albert and her band Faces. supportive. “It really shows how close we are in the industry,” says Loane, “Robbie Doherty, a local singer/songwriter, has helped me figure out my next steps, and, I can’t wait to take them.”

Loane currently plays gigs at Bogside Brewing, Lone Oak Brewing and The Local, and is working on recording her own music with Jon Matthews.

Loane’s music is really a story of her life. Her favourite original song is Mac’s Song, about a little boy who has had a big impact on her life. Music has shaped Keira to be who she is. When she isn’t performing and writing music, Keira lives on a beef farm and owns two rescue donkeys. She likes to be kept busy, so she is involved in 4-H, MADD and Agriculture in the Classroom. Loane also plays flag football for team PEI.

Loane is excited to be graduating high school in 2022, and while singing and writing music will always be a focus for her, she hopes to pursue a career in law advocating for children.

In the future Loane hopes to have her original songs on streaming platforms.

▲Keira Loane Photo by Story Thorburn

THATCHER MACKAY

▲ Thatcher MacKay Photo by Story Thorburn Singer/Songwriter

Thirteen-year-old Thatcher MacKay has been a musician for nine years and has been playing guitar for audiences from the age of five. Currently MacKay is a student at the PEI School of Guitar.

“I really enjoy preparing to perform for an audience,” MacKay explains. “I love reading the room and seeing the enjoyment my music brings to people’s faces. It’s always fun to make connections with people through music. My cousin, Dave Woodside, is an Island musician and he has introduced me to playing with other musicians on stage, which has been really amazing.”

MacKay’s grandmother is a pianist and has played and performed piano since she was a teenager. His younger sister also plays piano and is a dancer.

This summer Islanders can see MacKay busking in Victoria-by-the-Sea, Lone Oak Brewery and Piatto Pizzeria. “I am always open to new opportunities and places to perform my music.” When he is not performing, MacKay loves anything to do outdoors; fishing, dirt bikes, hockey, and baseball.

“After I graduate high school I’m interested in both engineering and architecture. I sometimes think about teaching guitar to younger students when I’m in university,” MacKay says. “But if I was offered a record deal right now, I’d sign it.”

IYLA

KILBRIDE Entrepreneur - Pet Poo Pick-up Summerside

Many of us have dogs as pets and although we love them and consider them a part of the family they come with an unfortunate by-product. Each spring our backyards are dotted with smelly deposits. Pet Poo Pick-up is a yard clean up business essential for anyone who has a dog, a backyard and lives in Summerside.

Fifteen-year-old Iyla Kilbride launched her business Pet Poo Pick-Up when she was only ten years old. “I wanted a source of income, and I was too young to apply anywhere. My mother helped me come up with the business idea.”

Five years later Pet Poo Pick-up has grown to include regular clients and new clients each year.

“Most customers just want one spring clean-up, but some book regular weekly visits,” Killbride says. “I like that I get to meet a bunch of dogs and can help people who aren’t able to clean their own yard.”

Killbride has learned important money management skills over the past five years but admits, “The worst part of my business is having to work on nice spring days when other people are hanging out with friends or doing fun activities,” she adds, “Also, sometimes it smells a little.”

Killbride is finishing grade nine at Summerside Intermediate School in 2022. “I think I’m going to let the business slow down a bit because I just got hired at another job and I am busy. I am hoping to become a pilot someday.”

▲Iyla Killbride & (dog) Clara Hudson Photo by Story Thorburn

LEVI DAWSON

▲ Levi Dawson Photo by Story Thorburn Drummer

Levi Dawson’s parents noticed from an early age that he was always tapping on things and creating different beats and rhythms. Dawson got his first drum set for Christmas when he was two years old. “I received a new drum set each time I outgrew the current one, Dawson says. “I started playing the drums in music class at elementary school.”

“I find performing fun. I really like the rush of adrenaline as soon as we start to play. I feel happy when I’m playing music and I like making the audience happy with our music too. When I’m performing, I forget about all my stresses.”

Dawson lives with a condition called arthrogryposis (AMC) that is caused by low amniotic fluid in the womb. “Due to the lack of movement while I was developing, my muscles and tendons didn’t develop as expected, leading to joint contractures,” explains Dawson, “I do not have biceps so I cannot actively bend my arms, and my left knee only bends to about 20 degrees. My shoulders, feet, and hands are also impacted. I had to be creative in learning how to hold drumsticks and accommodate for my lack of mobility. My arms/ shoulders/hands can get tired easily by drumming, as well.”

“I am the drummer for Canorous Paradise, which is a band that me and three of my friends started this year at school. We have played for the school a few times, we have played a set at the College of Piping for Band Blast, and we are playing this summer at Rock the Boat. We are playing on the same stage, on the same day, as Our Lady Peace!”

LAUREN DYKEMAN

Dancer

Dancer and performer Lauren Dykeman is nineteen and started her first dance class when she was only three years old. “After about six years, I decided to try something new and started in recreational musical theatre classes at InterAction School of Performing Arts in my hometown, Saint John, New Brunswick. I took several classes there over the years including acting intensives, musical theatre dance classes, and group performance classes.”

By seventh grade Dykeman picked up a

guitar. “I was able to land a few gigs singing and playing and it grew over my high school career. I ended up performing in the summer for several years at local patios, restaurants, and festivals,” Dykeman says. “At the same time, I was doing musicals and playing euphonium in the concert band at my high school, Harbour View High.”

This summer Dykeman will be dancing with the Xclusiv Crew, led by Dawn Ward and Joe Dames in their brand new show, Island Vibe!.

“When I was younger, I did more jazz and musical theatre. Since I started dancing with Dawn in September 2021, I have focused more on hip-hop, Afro jazz, contemporary, and several other styles that she has exposed her groups to! My horizons have broadened since meeting her!”

Watch for Dykeman on stage this summer at the Confederation Centre of the Arts outdoor amphitheatre!

▲ Lauren Dykeman Photo by Story Thorburn

Mill River Resort

A home for happy guests!

Mill River Resort has an expansive and storied history, and the O’Leary, PEI fixture serves as a home-away-fromhome to scores of folks.

By Jordan Parker Photos Courtesy of Mill River, Buffie Boily

The four-star, four-season golf and family resort rests within a mature forest along the North Cape Coastal Drive. It may be a huge evolution from where it started in 1969, but the spirit is the same.

“For owner Don McDougall and his family, creating a welcoming resort that serves families from near and far is so important,” says Geoffrey Irving, president at the resort. “He is quite passionate about golf and growing the next generation of players for this sport. For this reason, our team puts a lot of time and talent into our golf instruction program and our junior programs.”

The main resort has undergone extensive renovations that included the main resort lobby area, all 81 guest rooms, conference facilities, the creation of Callaghan’s Restaurant & Bar, new spa facilities, and a pro shop.

It was also important to McDougall to create resort facilities that allow families to spend quality time having fun together.

Mainstays from the early days, including resort general manager Louise Arsenault and course superintendent Blair Duggan, remain and provide value and an eye for details some may miss. They’ve been on-hand to watch the evolution from a seasonal golf resort to a year-round destination for corporate and leisure guests.

In 2019, Mill River added a twobedroom guest chalets that sits steps outside the pro shop overlooking the practice range. Its stunning design was the inspiration for the new Residences at Mill River, a resort lifestyle development on the property that continues to expand with phase two of the development set to break ground in 2023. Many of the residences that were built during the first phase of development are now available for guest stays through the resort-managed rental pool. People love the privacy these units provide while still allowing guests to experience (above) Twobedroom guest chalet overlook the practice range. (right) The chalets have a modern open plan perfect for entertaining.

(above) Flooded with natural light, the living space is bright and inviting. (right) The bedrooms are designed with relaxation in mind.

everything the resort has to offer. There are also private homes overlooking the 13th and 14th holes at the Mill River Resort Living community as well.

With an incredible year-round focus that allows for activities in all seasons, the Mill River Resort plays host to incredible amenities, and there’s something for everyone.

“Inside the resort, our guests enjoy our full-service Callaghan’s Restaurant & Bar that hosts regular live music by local artists, a full-service Aveda spa, gift shop, games room, fitness centre, squash court, and two Foresight Hawk golf simulators that each have a dedicated full-service lounge,” Irving says.

(above & left) The Junior suite offers one king-sized bed, coffee maker, pull-out sofa in the separated living area with sliding barn doors, air conditioning, hairdryer, satellite television, private bath, small fridge, iron and ironing board.

(below) Offering personalized treatment and customized care for everyone, the professional spa services are delivered with the Aveda product line and include aromatic massage, body wraps and polishes, facials, hand and foot care, make-up applications and much more.

The outdoor components, including an array of activities and spectacular sights, are a major attraction for visitors. “Outdoors, our guests enjoy seasonal access to our 18-hole golf course, practice range, putting green, and additional 3-hole short course. Our pro shop is fully stocked with apparel, equipment, and more,” Irving says.

The course canteen, affectionately known as Hunter-Duvar House, was built in 1860 and was the original homestead of John Hunter-Duvar, a prominent Scottish settler whose family later donated a part of the estate to create the Mill River golf course.

There are activities throughout the summer that run far beyond golf, and they include bonfires, nature trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, bike rentals, disc golf, and a beach volleyball court. When winter rolls around, the resort still has a huge assortment of things to do and is proud of its offerings.

“When the snow falls, our winter program begins, and our groomed tubing hill opens. Our volleyball court is converted to an ice-skating rink, and our nature trails are groomed up daily for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It really does become a winter wonderland here,” Irving says. “Our winter activity programs are really popular. Families and groups of friends love coming here to get outside and have some fun together on our groomed hill and trails, or lace up their skates and hit the outdoor rink.”

But make no mistake, the golfing is of course the main attraction for guests. It’s a beautiful course sure to delight all those who play a few holes.

“Thanks to the dedicated turf maintenance team and the golf team, the course at Mill River is in pristine condition and the membership has never been stronger. Throughout the season they have Islanders and vacationers coming to the resort for golf events and golf vacations.”

Irving says, “Golf has seen some significant change over the last three seasons. It’s no secret that the pandemic had a very positive impact on participation rates all over North America and thankfully as things opened up again in 2022, we are still seeing the volume of players. What’s changed is how players are consuming golf. For example, once upon a time there used to be waiting lists for more competitive stroke play events, like those you see on TV. Players are preferring scrambles and team formats over competitive tournaments.”

Another interesting trend Irving notes is digital golf or simulators and that some players prefer indoor golf, with one frequent user of the resort’s indoor simulators noting, “I like the simulators because I don’t lose any balls!” The truth is a golfer can play a simulator round much faster than a conventional round of golf and that’s appealing to many.

With an increased appetite for clinics and lessons, the resort’s junior clinics and ladies’ clinics sold out again this year, even after increasing the number of participants. “People are just really happy to be in social environments again, especially on a beautiful summer night on the Island,” Irving says.

It’s not just golfers who are excited to enjoy summer at Mill River Resort. Their resort-living community continues to grow.

Their next phase of development is ready to get underway, and Irving is excited about the future, which includes 30 new residences that are slated for 2023 and will be privatelyowned. There are also plans to expand the Shops at Mill River as well, a major undertaking.

“This new professional and retail services centre is located off the main highway, just past the Mill Road turnoff to the resort. There’s nothing like it in this area and reception from businesses and professionals looking for high-traffic space has been phenomenal,” he said. “We are actually constructing another 10,000 square foot commercial building right now.” (left) General Manager, Louise Arsenault (right) Resort President, Geoffery Irving

After rough tourism seasons due to COVID-19, Irving says the resort is excited about the summer season. “It’s been a long two years for businesses big and small in the hospitality sector. Mill River Resort has been fortunate to weather the pandemic well thanks to our loyal members and guests coming from across Atlantic Canada to enjoy a getaway,” he says. “This year we’re looking forward to moving on from the uncertainty of the pandemic and creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for our guests and our staff.”

Mill River Resort 180 Mill River Resort Rd. Route 136, Woodstock, PE 902.859.3555 Toll free: 1.844.375.3555 www.millriver.ca