GUELPH – A group of local high school students worked hard over the last six weeks to organize an inspirational and successful charity gala called Inspire.
Sixty students in the Upper Grand District School Board’s (UGDSB) Beyond Borders program organized the gala at the Guelph River Run Centre on Jan. 20 that the students estimate raised a whopping $133,000.
The proceeds will be split between three causes: The Guelph General Hospital; Doctors Without Borders; and the Beyond Borders program.
The program
Beyond Borders is an experiential learning program that focuses on leadership, team building and skill development.
It includes community-minded Grade 12 students from across the UGDSB who are aspiring leaders with a drive for self-growth.
The program is taught by Matthew Mulhern, Mike Parsons and Cynthia McQueen.
The charity gala is an annual event in its 12th year – every January Beyond Borders students work together to plan a gala to raise money for organizations of their choice.
Parsons said this year’s students “exceeded each and every expectation I have set for them.
“I wish everyone could have witnessed the changes in the students this semester.”
Parsons said the charity gala event showcases what students learn throughout the program and “sets the standard that they are capable of reaching all their goals.”
From left, four of the 60 Beyond Borders students: Emerson Harris, Nivea Rakesh, Adelaide Copp and Lily Butler. Photo by Robin George
Student testimonies
Students shared stories throughout the evening about the impact the program has made on their lives.
Many described facing serious internal challenges before beginning Beyond Borders and recount conquering these challenges throughout the program in ways they never imagined possible, with the support and encouragement from their teachers.
Sophia Johnston Hallahan said joining Beyond Borders changed her life and “transformed her view on learning.”
Leo Jett said each of the teachers took the time to get to know every student, and that he has more confidence now than when he joined the program in September.
“I am proud of who I am and excited for the challenges to come,” he said.
Charlotte Manes said she now knows what it feels like to be true to herself, and “Beyond Borders did this for me.
“With each passing day I found strength in my vulnerability … and learned to love the person I am.”
In the Beyond Borders program, Cally Weber explained, “teenagers are celebrated” and their “journey of self discovery is equally as important as academic results.”
James Baikie said the Beyond Borders teachers “pushed us to understand concepts on a much deeper level.”
Clara Goodie called the program “a magical journey that allowed me to grow as a person and push my boundaries,” and said she had lots of long conversation with her family over dinner about all the things she learned this semester.
From left, Beyond Borders students Isaac Misener, Ava Desautels, Cara Franklin, Max Fordyce and Cam Viveiros. Photo by Robin George
The gala
There were nine musical performances throughout the evening including Elora’s Lauren Roy, Guelph-based CJ Cooper and Andrew McPherson, Centennial high school principal Joe Burns, Centennial’s Dance Inc., and Alexa Goldie, who travelled all the way from Nashville, Tennessee for the event.
McPherson’s daughter was in the Beyond Borders program last year, and he performed a song about facing unknown fears and rewriting your story.
Roy said she is inspired by the students and is “a firm believer in the importance of the Beyond Borders program.
“It shapes and encourages the next generation of leaders,” she said, and students leave the program “inspired to grow, inspired to learn and inspired to rise.”
Before the show and during intermission, gala guests browsed a silent action and student presentations about a range of world issues.
Special guests at the gala included Guelph General Hospital CEO Julie Byczynski, UGDSB chair Ralf Mesenbrink, trustee Katherine Hauser, Guelph MP Llyod Longfield, Mayor Cam Guthrie and councillor Dominique O’Rourke.
Guthrie is father to a Beyond Border’s alumni, and O’Rourke’s daughter Elise Hallett is in this year’s cohort.
O’Rourke said she is “incredibly proud of all the students” for their work with Beyond Borders.
“As a parent what I’ve seen day in and day out is teamwork and dedication – to the world and to their place in it.”
Guest mingled and enjoyed snacks during the gala’s intermission. Photo by Robin George
Students celebrated together on stage after they announced the estimated total raised during the gala. Photo by Robin George
