By Tyler Marr

Won Ska gathers for year-end ball game

Jun 23, 2017 | 5:00 PM

The ball diamonds at Kinsmen Park were filled with students celebrating the end to their school year. 

Staff, students and community partners with Won Ska Cultural Public School gathered for a friendly softball game Friday as a final family gathering before students depart for the summer. The winning team took home a trophy and braging rights for the next year.

Rhonda Durand, executive director of Prince Albert Outreach, said it was a great way for the students to mingle with the many groups who help make the programs at the school a reality.

“We couldn’t do this without our partners in the community,” she said. “They are huge to not only investing and mentoring in our kids, but really showing our kids that they are important in the greater community and that we see they are the future. We want them to succeed and still have fun.”

The foundation of the school surrounds cultural and traditional teachings. Durand said this is critical to not only help students build links to their cultural heritage, but it helps to empower the at-risk youth and let them feel they have a place in society. The school offers support for mental health, addictions, homelessness or whatever else many students may struggle with. They also provide nutrition and hygiene supplies.

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“They could not be successful if it was not for the agencies on site,” she added.

This was true for 17-year-old Paxton Red Sky who said the baseball game was a lot like a family bonding moment. He said it gave everyone a chance to smile and share in the positive energy.

Red Sky was rendered speechless when asked what the school programs and mentorship meant for him. He said his time with the drumming group, a new program launched this year at the school, allowed him to find a positive way to move beyond his troubled past.

“If I were to say something about Wan Ska, it would be that it is the place to be,” the young man said with a smile. “It is a place to feel welcome and feels more appreciated. You are not a number. They actually know you and get a chance to find your interests.”

The Outreach program is having a fundraiser this weekend in partnership with Sobey’s. Celebrating Canada 150, a special ‘Canada Screams for Ice Cream’ campaign has been launched. On Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., people can visit Safeway and make a $2 donation in exchange for an ice cream treat. All local donations will go directly towards supporting the Outreach Program and school to fund new ways to keep students motivated about learning.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr