Beurling Academy’s Awards & Art Night: Honoring Talent, Creativity, and Community
by Simone Viger
From the moment guests arrived at Beurling Academy, they were welcomed with warmth and community spirit. Vice Principal Mrs. Beaudoin and Special Ed Tech Mrs. Laura greeted families with smiles, setting the tone for an evening full of heart, creativity, and connection.
The smell of freshly made spaghetti and salad filled the cafeteria, served proudly by students—a delicious symbol of teamwork and hospitality.
Innovation in Action
Under the guidance of Mr. Mann, students in the Thundercats Team unveiled an air filtration prototype made from 3D-printed parts and HEPA filters, reducing airborne bacteria by 10% overnight. “We want to build more—to breathe cleaner, together,” one student shared passionately.
Explosions of Art & Identity
Beurling’s cafeteria came alive with student creativity—from bold Grade 9 character designs to imaginative Grade 7 illustrated stories.
A particularly striking display featured black-and-white portraits interwoven with strips of color, symbolizing personal identity—favorite flowers, cultural icons, and cherished memories. “This weaving is a dialogue between their inner world and the community,” said Art Teacher Mrs. Tammy White.
Project Highlights
● Puppet Show: Beurling students collaborated with Drama Teacher Mr. Michael Cloney to create felt puppets for a live show at Verdun Elementary. The performances captivated young audiences and sparked cross-school connections.
● Endangered Species Cups: Students turned non-recyclable Starbucks cups into powerful activist art to raise awareness about environmental protection.
● Felt Food & Worry Monsters: Using sewing and design skills, students created playful felt food sculptures and comforting “Worry Monsters” based on drawings by Grade 3 students at Verdun Elementary. The monsters were gifted back to help children express and manage their anxieties.
“These creations are more than art,” said Mrs. Tammy. “They build bridges between students, schools, and hearts.”
Cross-Curricular Collaboration: Woven Identity
One of the night’s most impactful showcases was Woven Identity—a collaboration between Art Teacher Mrs. Tammy, ELA Teacher Ms. Jessica Tedeschi, and Drama/WOTP Teacher Mr. Michael Cloney. Students explored personal identity through blackout poetry, visual art, and live performance.
The result: a deeply moving reading where students performed their poetry alongside woven self-portraits rich with symbolism.
“The act of weaving identity into visual and written form is healing,” said Ms. Tedeschi. “It gives students the space to be honest, to be seen.”
The trio’s long-standing collaboration also includes past projects like The Crucible at John Rennie and a theatrical partnership at the Segal Centre, exemplifying the strength of interdisciplinary learning.
Art on Wheels & Stories in Jars
● Grade 11 students transformed skateboards into surrealist canvases with messages of hope and resilience.
● Projects exploring the elements of color used jars to represent life experiences and identity, blending art with symbolism and storytelling.
● Student-created zines added a powerful, personal touch—an anthology of youth voices shared proudly with guests.
A Night of Connection
Principals and staff from Beurling, Riverview, and Verdun Elementary were present throughout the event, highlighting a shared commitment to student growth and creativity.
For over two hours before the awards ceremony began, Beurling transformed into a vibrant hub of imagination and community—proof that art can do more than fill walls; it brings people together.
Closing
Beurling Academy’s Awards & Art Night was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of young minds, cross-disciplinary teaching, and meaningful connections. Congratulations to all the students, staff, and educators who made the evening unforgettable.
