Student winners of the Voices of Hope: Poetry & Art Contest for Asian Heritage Month were recently announced!
The contest was hosted by , a Canadian non-profit charitable organization with a mission to foster awareness and a critical understanding of an often overlooked World War II history in Asia. The Voices of Hope contest sets out to address the absence and negative representation of Indigenous peoples and racialized individuals and communities.
Students from the HCDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board were invited to participate and submit poetry and artwork to this year’s contest.
The contest theme: Representation Matters, emphasizes the importance for all community members to experience full participation in and authentic recognition of their contributions to Canada.听
Congratulations to the following 1st place winners from HCDSB!
| School | Student Winner |
| St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School | Emily Tresher Art Submission |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School | Alexis Pereira Poetry Submission |
Emily successfully produced the art piece displayed above, and Alexis wrote a poem entitled, My Grandmother, to address how India, like Canada, is a diverse country with many traditions and customs.
“I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to participate in the听Voices of Hope听art contest for听Asian听Heritage Month,” said Emily. “Representation is especially important when it comes to being able to personally relate because it creates a stronger sense of self-esteem and comfort.鈥�
Congratulations is also extended to the following HCDSB students who participated in the contest and received honorary mentions!
| School | Student Winner |
| Assumption Catholic Secondary School | Mikaela Pereira听 Poetry Submission |
| Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School | Rickie Jane Donque Poetry Submission |
| Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School | Thu Doan Poetry Submission |
| Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School | Andrei Almas Poetry Submission |
| St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School | Aline Rodrigues Poetry Submission |
Exceptional work to all the student participants for using their creative talents and voices to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion!
