Cochrane students left WE Day feeling “inspired” and “empowered.”
The international event – designed as a celebration for youth making a difference in their communities – was hosted in Calgary last week with Cochrane and surrounding area schools in attendance.
“It is very inspirational,” said Jackson Edwards, 15, Cochrane High student.
“It is good to hear the different perspectives and how people went through different obstacles … you realize the different affects you have and how you can help.”
WE Day invited students from all across Alberta for a day of world-renowned speakers and award-winning performers.
There are no tickets sales for the event – students earn entry by participating in one local and one global action through the school. For example, leadership students at Cochrane High School organize Helping Hampers, an annual program to help provide the necessities for families. They also sponsored a Syrian refugee family for the global contribution last year.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Deanna Andreschefski, 17, Cochrane High student.
“It is absolutely important to get younger people involved with volunteering and at a younger age.”
WE Day started in 2007, evolving from a single event into a series of 14 stadium-sized events hosted in Canada, the United States and the UK. Keynote speakers and performers at the Calgary event included Chris Hadfield, Paula Abdul, Classified, Margaret Trudeau and Rick Hansen.
“It shows how one person can make a difference and don’t be afraid to follow your passion and try new things,” said Gale Cote, Cochrane High teacher who also attended the event.
“It inspires students to see what else is out there and the students come back full of enthusiasm and invigorated.”
According to the website, more than 600,000 students have earned their way to WE Day with 27.6 million hours volunteered for local and global causes.
For more information go to we.org.
