It's often said that people don't get their flowers (praise) until it's too late – but students at Abbotsford's William A. Fraser Middle School made sure those important to them received them in a fun way
Students took the time to thank and celebrate people who have made a positive impact in their lives with the unique Empowering Voices and Building Connections Community Video Project.
It began in October with Grade 8 students in Mrs Sidhu, Leinweber and Pestana’s class alongside the school’s Equity League leaders students asked to select a teacher that made a difference in their life from kindergarten on, a family connection that also made a difference in their life and a community member that contributes locally.
Those selections were then asked to participate and answer questions on video from the students that chose them. More than 300 submissions were made by students in Grade 8 classes and the Fraser Equity Leadership League (Grades 6 to 8) and filming occurred over two days in May.
The videos were then painstakingly edited into two shorter videos – one highlighting teachers and the other showcasing community members and family. Community members could be paramedics, police officers or politicians. Students also had to complete a written component explaining why they chose who they selected.
The video reveal celebration day occurred at the school on Wednesday (June 18), with subjects invited to attend and watch the finished product.
Students addressed the audience prior to the videos being played.
"This project has taught me to give gratitude and to use my words to uplift others and honour them," said student Avery. "Before middle school I never really knew what character meant and why it matters so much. But with the help of my teachers and this project, I have realized that learning how to communicate clearly, with care, and give thanks to the people in your life is an important thing to do, it defines my character."
"This project is important to me because it helped bring the community and different people together," added student Ayesha. "The moment that stuck out to me in the video was the smile on my cousin’s face when I told her she is a sister to me. I am so glad I was able to share with her how I feel and honour her connection with me. I learned that I am so much happier when I share with others my truth and heartfelt feeling and give thanks to them for all they do to make my life so much better. Sometimes I don’t say things or do say things because I’m trying to act more like others. But I always feel the happiest when I am with the people who I can be myself around. This project taught me to be true to myself."
Students stated that the project allowed them to thank those who have helped them in the past.
"I really liked that so many students, teachers, and community members joined us in this project," Katherine said. "Sometimes you finish elementary school and then wish you could have told your teachers how amazing they are. Well, this project let us do this – we were able to have those teachers come to our school and we are so happy to have shared with them how they impacted our lives."
Fraser principal Ian Levings said it was a remarkable project and the finished product was inspiring. He said the project showed how connected Abbotsford can be despite its size.
"It created an inclusive learning environment that fostered community empathy, understanding and reflection," he said. "Students were able to uplift one another by sharing words of gratitude and also see a bit of themselves in each other. The thing I like to say is Abbotsford is a city of 150,000 people, yet everyone seems to know each other. As much as we're this huge city, there are weaves of interconnection. So that is one cool thing how we're all connected with each other."
This marks the final big project for Fraser students, as school is closing for summer later this month.
