Four Nova Scotia high school students were awarded for their creativity and skills at a ceremony for the Minister’s Awards for Creative Excellence in the Arts at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax last week. The awards include four scholarships for excellence in music, film and video, visual arts and performing arts.
Michael Young, a senior student at Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (SAERC) in Port Hawkesbury, received the Charlie A’Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music, valued at $500 along with a mentorship opportunity with award-winning Nova Scotia musician and songwriter Mr. A’Court.
Michael Young, a grade 12 high school student at Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (SAERC ) in Port Hawkesbury, received the Charlie A’Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music. Photo contributed.
18-year-old Young started playing the guitar seven years ago, and what started out as a hobby became his passion.
“I remember the first guitar I had, I got it for Christmas. For the longest time, it just sat there until one day I picked it up and started playing, then I got lessons and everything started from there.”
Young said he received great support from his friends and family and that he is excited about learning from musician and songwriter Mr. A’Court .
“Music is starting to become very essential for me. I have ADHD and that makes me hyper-fixated on things—whether it be bands or music or video games—and having the guitar with me, it very much helps.”
After his graduation, Young will be attending a music program and taking music business at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Marconi Campus in Sydney, Cape Breton..
From Prince Andrew high school in Dartmouth, Jayden Cutler received a $1,000 scholarship and an award for Excellence in Film and Video.
Jayden Cutler received a $1,000 scholarship and an award for Excellence in Film and Video. Cutler submitted three films, a horror film, a short comedy and a long film Neo-noir piece. Photo contributed.
Cutler developed an interest in film from a young age and registered for a film course in high school when he had the opportunity.
He was recommended to apply for this program by one of his teachers and he said was surprised to find out he had won this scholarship during class.
“During one of my exams, my teacher announced it to the class and I didn’t even know that I won it then. It was a big shock to me and my friends but my parents were so proud and they were confident that I would win.”
Cutler found out he had won this scholarship when his teacher mentioned it, surprising him in class while he was taking his exam. Photo contributed.
For the application process, Cutler submitted three films, a horror film, a short comedy and a long film Neo-noir piece.
“I have a couple of directors and filmmakers that can be seen in my work, I’m really into Edgar Wright and Guillermo del Torro. Their films have inspired me.”
Cutler learned about filming mostly from YouTube and received great help from his film teacher who showed him the ins and outs of how to use the camera.
“I really hope to get to a point where I'm filming theatrical or bigger projects than I am doing right now with a crew, and such. I am extremely grateful that I won the award.”
After graduation, he intends to apply to a Screen Arts Program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Over the summer, he is looking to volunteer at film associations to gain more experience.
“I think that would be a nice start to get into the industry and sort of dip my toes into the bigger world of film, especially here in Nova Scotia.”
Playing the clarinet for about nine years and with an award in music, Glace Bay High student Ethan Walter received his scholarship award in performing Arts, as well as an addition $1,000 to go into his post-secondary studies.
Glace Bay High student Ethan Walter received his scholarship award in performing Arts, and has been playing the clarinet for 9 years. Photo contributed.
“I was actually recommended by my former high school band teacher, she's had some students in the past win the award and she said I'd be a good applicant and sent me the link, and the rest is history.”
For Walter, playing his clarinet isn’t just his hobby it’s a passion and he was grateful for the support he received from friends and family.
Young Ethan Walter attending band camp. He has been playing the clarinet for 9 years and says his mother has always supported him. Photo contributed.
“My high school is known for having a sturdy band program. Although my family doesn't know a lot about music, they always pushed me into extracurriculars and all these band involvements.They're always there supporting me 100 per cent. So I got the ability to go into all these things.”
After his high school graduation, and pursuing his Bachelor's of Music degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Walter plans on becoming a band teacher at a high school or university level.
Al Tran, from Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth, is the recipient of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. The scholarship is for $1,000.
Al Tran, from Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth, is the recipient of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. Photo contributed.
Tran arrived in Halifax from Vietnam three years ago and has been painting for about 12 years.
“Painting is the longest thing that I have been doing, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. It became a part of me, a part of my everyday life. I don't know what I would be doing if I didn’t go to an art school in the first place.”
Al Tran has been painting and making art for 12 years, he says art has become a part of him, and his every day life. Photo contributed.
Tran enjoys painting landscapes mostly and his inspiration and favourite artist is Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.
Although Tran loves his home country, he said there are more opportunities for career growth here.
Tran said he enjoys painting landscapes the most. Photo contributed.
“I love it here. I enjoy being here much more than in my own country. I think here I have a better chance to chase my dream and to follow my art.”
A painting of a dragon by Tran. Photo Contributed.
He was overwhelmed by the support he got from his parents and his teacher.
“My teacher, Miss Allen introduced me to the award in the first place and she was very proud of me and told everyone about me and that made me feel so wonderful.”
Tran spoke of cultural differences between Nova Scotia and Vietnam saying her school in Vietnam country was really strict, with long hours dedicated to studying both in school and at home.
“I feel like when I moved here, I found myself. Moving here was my medicine that my parents and I am happy with.”
Tran will be pursuing a Bachelor of Design at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
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