WINNERS of the Up for the Challenge "Tell Us Your Stance: Remote Learning" challenge

June 1, 2021

These students told us their stance and won some cash

June 1, 2021

Six local students will be taking home cash prizes thanks to their submissions to the “Remote Learning: Tell Us Your Stance” essay competition that challenged Algoma students to write an essay either in support of remote learning or against it. 

The local challenge is a part of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s (SSMIC) “Up for the Challenge” project that encourages Algoma residents and businesses to share their innovative solutions by participating in challenges on a local, regional, national, and global level.

“This was our first local challenge that we initiated, and we will continue to offer opportunities for people in the Algoma region to showcase their innovative ideas and encourage other organizations in the community to submit their local challenge ideas,” said SSMIC’s Executive Director, Peter Bruijns. 

“The winning essays were thoughtfully written, offered interesting perspectives, and stood out among the 60 entries received.” 

Prizes were awarded to students from elementary, secondary, and post secondary levels choosing one winner for the “against remote learning” category and one winner from the “for remote learning” category. 

Congratulations to all the winners: 

ELEMENTARY (Prize is $100 for each student): 
Against - Niyati Patel - Grade 8 - Pinewood Public School 
For - Kavi Giroux - Grade 8 - Korah Intermediate 

SECONDARY (Prize is $200 for each student): 
Against - Abigail Peake - Grade 12 - Korah C&VS 
For - Layla Grawbarger - Grade 10 - Superior Heights C&VS 

POST-SECONDARY (Prize is $400 for each student): 
Against - Makenna Firman - First Year - Sault College 
For - Emily Johns - Third Year - Algoma University 
 
“We want to give a shout out to Mrs. Boniferro’s Grade 2 students at Holy Cross as our youngest contributors to this competition,” added Susan George, ICTN Lead at SSMIC and one of the members of the organization’s judging committee. 

“These essays were fun to read, and we applaud these young students for sharing their stories with us. The rest of the judges and I were fascinated that students shared their many personal experiences and insights with remote learning. In sharing these experiences, we often laughed out loud in how the elementary students presented their experience. It was obvious that despite the challenges, many students could see the humour in these struggles.” 

Regardless of their stance on remote learning, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre would like to recognize all students for their resiliency and adaptability during these unprecedented changes to our education system.


SHARE THIS

Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

Investing in Progress #IWD2024

March 8, 2024
Happy International Women's Day! 💜

In the news: Harvest Algoma relaunches with a new look

January 18, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie food security agency Harvest Algoma is starting the new year with an image makeover – but agency officials say their mission has not changed.
More Posts
Share by: