A rally was held on Thursday morning to celebrate W. J. Mouat Secondary in Abbotsford as a "school of character."
Grade 4 and 7 students from the high school's feeder schools were invited to attend the event, which promoted six values – respect, responsibility, integrity, caring, awareness and teamwork.
"We're here to turn you into future leaders because you can help make a difference from where you are," Mark Thiessen, a teacher at the school and a co-chair of the Mouat Character Committee, told the students.
Ryan Walter, president of the Abbotsford Heat hockey team, spoke about belief systems and teamwork.
"Believe in yourself. Believe, 'I can do anything' and, finally, believe in your team," he said.
Vijay Manuel, W. J. Mouat vice-principal and chair of the Character Committee, announced that each of the feeder schools would be given $50 to come up with projects that encompass "good character."
"In the end, our character is what really matters," he said.
The event also featured a dance-off between Mouat mascot Roc the Hawk and University of the Fraser Valley Cascade Sasq'ets, as well as a rap song presented by three Mouat students.
Following the rally, Grade 7 students from Howe and Chief Dan George middle schools participated in workshops led by Mouat's Character Council students. The sessions looked deeper into the six character values.
Grade 4 students participating in the rally came from Centennial, Ten-Broeck, Roberta Bondar, Margaret Stenersen and Sandy Hill elementaries.
W. J. Mouat Character Council is a student-led group that practises and promotes the six character values, including through school-wide events.