3 minute read
VCHS Students Participate in Award Winning Forest and Wildlife Education Summit
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Vegreville Composite High School (VCHS) was one of 20 high schools selected to participate in the Forest and Wildlife Education Summit in Canmore from March 7-10.
During the four-day summit, 120 students and teachers from throughout the province were given a unique opportunity to engage with more than 60 forestry, wildlife and environmental experts from a wide range of academic institutions, industry, government and environmental groups as well as representatives from Indigenous communities.
Students and teachers participated in a series of hands-on forestry and wildlife-focused workshops, such as monitoring migratory birds in the boreal forest with Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory, Science and Podcasting with Alberta Forest Products Association and Alberta Emerald Foundation and Forst Hydrology with Alberta Forestry and Parks.
All of the students took part in experiential field trips to various sites in and around Canmore during which they had a chance to learn about bear safety and connect with the land during an Indigenous-led nature walk.
Grade 11 student Lauren Conner described the experience as a “once in a lifetime educational opportunity. I learned so much about careers and my impact as an individual.”
Layne Lowes, also a Grade 11 student, said, “The Regenerate youth summit was so amazing and memorable. You get to learn so many new experiences and opportunities in the forestry industry and what you can do to help the forest environment”.
Grade 10 students Zander Laschowski and Jay Morrison were also selected to attend the summit. Altogether, the four students comprised a team.
Andrew MacLean, leader teach for VCH’s Regenerate team, said the students had an amazing experience and Inside Education provided some memories that I am sure will have long after they complete high school.”
He noted that, “Keynote speaker Colin Angus, was a huge highlight! His story was amazing and we left inspired to utilize the power of our mindset and take baby steps when we meet challenges. As the Off-Campus Facilitator and Environmental Stewardship teacher I was hopeful there would be moments for our students to explore career opportunities in the outdoors. I was blown away with the amazing opportunities shared with us. Students had the chance to learn about emerging careers, post-secondary opportunities, and get hands-on experience in these fields.
MacLean added, “The information shared and the activities they were able to participate in far exceeded our expectations. I appreciate all the hard work the staff of Inside Education put in for this summit to be possible.”
A goal we have at VCHS is to provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students and we were fortunate to be a part of Regenerate as it far exceeded our expectations. In general, the team from Inside Education was amazing and they alone were a huge highlight for our students. They treated our students like their own which made all the incredible learning opportunities so valuable.”
