Ecole Olds High School student, Rayna Scott, receives nomination for Honouring Spirit Indigenous Award

Two Chinook’s Edge high school students have been nominated for the Alberta School Boards Association’s Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award. École Olds High School has nominated Grade 11 student Rayna Scott, and Penhold Crossing School has nominated Grade 12 student Hayden Gambin.

The award recognizes 12 First Nations, Metis, or Inuit students who attend school in Alberta, and who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education paths

Rayna Scott's journey gives a renewed sense of purpose and direction, and sense of pride in heritage and self

Rayna Scott has been on a journey  to learn more about her Indigenous  heritage. That journey has been  evident to the staff members at  École Olds High School, and is  why they nominated her for an  Honouring Spirit Award.

“My biological father, who I never met, is Métis,” says Rayna Scott, “but I didn’t know that until a few years ago. Being Métis means a lot to me, and has increased my sense of pride in myself.” 

“Rayna’s journey is inspiring,” says Jamie-Dee Marshall, Student Support Lead at École Olds High School (EOHS). “We have seen the power of the Indigenous culture in her journey.” 

Staff describe that when Scott started attending EOHS a couple years ago, she was hesitant and sometimes reluctant to engage with learning. 

“However, as Rayna began to engage with her culture, there was a profound shift,” observes Jana Kemmere, Vice Principal. “Rayna has found strength in her Indigenous roots, and her commitment to learning about her heritage has given her a renewed sense of purpose and direction.”

Staff say that Scott is now a leader in the school. “It’s been a joy to witness,” says Marshall. “She has not only embraced her culture, but has become an advocate for it within our school and community.”  

“Over the past year and a half, staff and students have witnessed Rayna’s evolution,” says Bev Toews, Academic Coach and Indigenous Lead at EOHS. “Rayna is seeking out new knowledge; she is open and willing to hear different perspectives; she is an enthusiastic participant in our community.” 

Scott serves on the Chinook’s Edge Indigenous Students Matter committee, where she shares her ideas with leadership and speaks up for the needs of Indigenous students. She also helps to lead the school’s Wahkohtowin Indigenous Club that meets after school, bringing other students there to learn about Indigenous culture, and to share stories of resilience. Staff say Scott is active in sharing ideas to make the club flourish, as well as how to introduce Indigenous Studies 10 as an option in the school. 

“Our school is helpful with Indigenous students,” says Scott. “I am happy to see my culture represented.” Scott says she hopes to enter the healthcare profession possibly as an emergency medical technician and fire fighter. 

“Rayna Scott is a true example of the strength, leadership, and resilience that the [award] aims to recognize,” says Sherrie Galanis, an Educational Assistant and one of the four nominators. “Her dedication to her culture, her community, and her own personal growth make her a deserving candidate for this award.”