Each fall, in our Arts issue, we love to showcase local grads who are choosing to pursue the arts. Here are eight great grads that will no doubt be entertaining and inspiring us for years to come!
Amber Siedule, 18 Bert Church High School
Future: Alberta University of the Arts, majoring in media arts, minoring in animation
“She is very talented and creative, all round, in many artistic disciplines, and demonstrates excellence in all the disciplines she explores. I appreciate when I can see a student’s achievements in these other disciplines; it is a good reminder that creativity comes in many forms. I was fortunate that, for one of her art assignments, she created an animation for it, and I have seen a stop-motion animation she also created not for this class. While I was impressed with her digital abilities, she also impresses me with her drawing and painting skills, too.”
– Lisa Tschritter, teacher, Bert Church High School
Role model: I don’t have a role model per se, but I have many who have supported and helped me on my journey. I hope to inspire others, to show that art can be a career worth pursuing. I feel a sense of accomplishment when completing an art piece. It isn’t just finishing a project. I love to research the materials that I find, and I like learning new techniques and experimenting with my own, which is why I find it hard to keep a consistent medium.
My aha! moment: I always remember enjoying art, all the way back to kindergarten. It was one of my only escapes from the monotony of life.
How can Airdrie support the arts? I feel that Airdrie needs to have more local public art around the city. It allows young artists to volunteer and gain exposure. The more art is seen, the more it can be appreciated.
Caleb Bell, 18 George McDougall High School
Future: University of Lethbridge, Bachelor of Music
“Caleb Bell is a member of the George McDougall High School Fine Arts program, participating in the GMHS Sr. Concert Band, the GMHS ‘Big Band’ and the Midnight Mustangs Jazz ensemble as principal trumpet. Affectionately known as ‘Ginger Spice,’ with his fiery orange mane, Caleb brings not only an unmatchable skillset to our program, but a unique real-world humour and an absolutely no-fear attitude. In a musical world where every mistake takes us further away from the prize, Caleb shows no mercy when approaching new or difficult music, choosing instead to meet each and every challenge head on. To say that he ‘eats and breathes’ band would not be far from the truth as I’m certain music is his ultimate daily motivator.”
– Jordan Harris, teacher, George McDougall High School
Role model: Trumpet players such as Arturo Sandoval and Chet Baker are definitely trumpet players I’d love to emulate. Having that much presence and passion behind your sounds is definitely something to work towards.
Aha! moment: Originally, I wasn’t even supposed to be a trumpet player. I was originally an art student who got forced into the band program because there were not enough people to have an art class. I still remember coming home on the first day and complaining to my parents about having to play music. Where I truly began to be known as “the trumpet player” and began to be known for my talents was my first solo in Grade 10 for the George McDougall Jazz Band on the song Gonna Fly Now. Blasting away, hitting the super-high notes at the end and getting congratulated from everyone was what really pushed me towards this path. I’d also like to thank my band teacher, Mr. Harris. Without him, I’d probably not even be here: his continued support and encouragement for me to continue discovering my passion when I first came to him over being worried about “not being good enough” to participate in the jazz band, to when he let me hold some of his own awards telling me I could be as successful and even more so if I continued working and discovering my passion, were truly some of the most important aha! moments in my career.
Caythleen Dimaano 17 St. Martin De Porres High School
Future: Alberta University of the Arts /University of Calgary, design/architecture
“Caythleen has been involved in the Arts program every year during her time at St. Martin de Porres and has spent that time developing a portfolio that includes painting, sketching, and a variety of other mediums. She has a strong eye for design and colour, both skills that will benefit her when she attends post-secondary. On her spare time, she enjoys filling her sketchbooks at home and helping her sister with school projects.”
– Sara Neumiller, teacher, St. Martin De Porres High School
Role model: My role model would be my dad, as he’s done quite a lot for me, as all parents should. He’s constantly looking out for me, telling me I can do and be whatever I want, as long as it makes me happy, so I wish to make him proud.
Aha! moment: I drew a lot as a kid, and I remember making a bunch of models and designs for certain things I thought were cool. The moment I realized I wanted to go into something art-related though, was whenever there was a creative school assignment; the teacher would explain the rubric, and then after that we’d figure the assignment out ourselves. I noticed that I always enjoyed the process more than the final project, seeing how I could turn a blank page into an idea. I’m pretty sure this solidified when I was in a fabrication class in ninth grade. I welded a rose and made a puzzle game out of wood. Despite all the mishaps and the little mistakes, I still enjoyed making them, and I wanted to chase that feeling into my later years.
Gavin Quiring, 18 George McDougall High School
Future: University of Lethbridge, Bachelor of Music
“In the four years that I’ve been privileged to work with Gavin, I have seen an enormous growth in skillset. He’s principal trombonist in the George McDougall High School Senior Concert Band, ‘Big Band,’ and Midnight Mustangs Jazz Combo. Gavin is an individual that possesses a great deal of natural talent, yet he has never rested on these laurels, instead choosing to put in hard work to reach his desired levels of success. He is dedicated, focused and has a sense of humour like no other! I am definitely excited to hear him lay down his first university trombone solo and see him continue to explore the world of music!”
– Jordan Harris, teacher, George McDougall High School
Role model: I’m sure as I go with my music career, there will be people I learn about that will inspire me, but, for now, my role models are some of the people whose music I listen to and also my band director, Mr. Harris.
Aha! moment: There wasn’t really a specific moment for me. It was more a few small moments until a few years back when I realized that I was actually pretty good at playing my instrument, and that I was actually better than some of the students that were a year older than me at the time. It was that year that I was getting a lot of solos in the songs we were playing, and it was then that I decided that I wanted to go into music.
How can Airdrie support the arts? I think that the arts could use a bit more funding at schools and in general for the community.
Helayna Moll, 18 George McDougall
Future: McGill University, Bachelor of Music, majoring in voice
“Helayna is a key member in our Senior Concert Band and Midnight Mustangs Jazz Combo, where she continually brings effective learning, leadership and humour to each class. A vocalist by trade, with a specialty in opera, [Helayna] has graced the GMHS stage via the school musical, HMS Pinafore, and in a multitude of band concerts and pep rallies. Outside of school, she has been a festival favourite both in Airdrie and Calgary and, on multiple occasions, has received provincial festival recommendations, where she has shared her skills in voice, musical theatre and piano. Additionally, she has been a multi-year member of the acclaimed Cantaré Children’s Choir in Calgary. I am certain that, one day, Helayna Moll [will be] a name that we will all be privileged to recognize.”
– Jordan Harris, teacher George McDougall High School
Role model: I have a great respect for my voice teacher, Lauren Woods. She is an incredible musician and provides me with invaluable advice that I will carry with me to university and beyond. She inspired [me] to pursue my love of opera as a career, and she has always been there for me.
Aha! moment: The first time I saw Bizet’s Carmen, it brought me to tears. I remember being in awe at how the singers were able to capture the emotions of the music and ensnare the audience. I remember wanting to be able to pull in an audience with that same skill and emotion, and I have been working towards it ever since.
Sahara Bosch, 17 Bert Church High School
Future: Gap year, then (potentially) Alberta University of the Arts
“Sahara plans on attending AUArts in September 2025, and I have no doubt that she will as she is extremely talented. Sahara demonstrates exemplary skill, especially when it comes to drawing and colour pencil work. She is also a fantastic photographer; she is very good at observing and seeing, excellent attributes for an artist. Often, when students are creative and strong in one artistic discipline, they are creative in others, like Sahara. I have no doubt that Sahara will find a future in the arts.”
– Lisa Tschritter, teacher, Bert Church High School
Future ambition: Photographer or interior design.
My aha! moment: I’ve just always liked art-related things, ever since I was little.
Sonya Walker, 18 Bert Church High School
Future: SAIT Culinary Arts
“Sonya is an extraordinary woman who forges ahead and overcomes obstacles to continue her path to her goals. We have seen growth in her talent and skills, especially while she was competing in the Culinary Arts Regional Skills Competition. The time, dedication, practice and skill that she put forth were amazing. Sonya is a positive contribution to any team, including Rugby and Culinary Arts in our school. She is kind, thoughtful, patient with others, [and] is an excellent mentor for younger students. Always ready to lend a helping hand to others, Sonya does a great deal of volunteering around the school. Sonya has been accepted to the SAIT Culinary Arts Program for the fall. We look forward to seeing where Sonya’s journey will take her.”
– Stephanie Booker, teacher, Bert Church High School
Role model: My role models are my parents, the sacrifices they have made to support me give me inspiration. My mom and dad work extremely hard and pass on their knowledge and experience to help me grow as an individual and will guide me in the choices I make in the future. They are entrepreneurs and I see myself following in their footsteps.
Aha! moment: My aha! moment was when I started taking culinary in high school. Previously, I enjoyed cooking and baking but, when I attended culinary with Chef Booker and Chef Sheets, they made me realize I had more of a passion for this course and continued taking culinary classes through my high school years. I really do owe my culinary teachers a huge thank you for allowing me to find my passion and guiding me along the way.
Victor Matthews, 18 Bert Church High School
Future: Alberta University of the Arts, Fine Arts degree
“Victor has taken art all their years at Bert Church, and has even pursued other art classes — more specifically, the pre-college summer program at AUArts last summer. Victor has always been a dedicated student, continually advancing their skills and creativity, and this is evident in the excellent work they have created. Victor has always wanted to pursue arts. Victor was selected as a finalist in this year’s ShowOff at AUArts, and, in 2023, they won an Airdrie public art competition. [Seacan art in Fletcher Regional Park.]”
– Lisa Tschritter, teacher, Bert Church High School
Role model: [Early 20th century Polish painter] Tamara de Lempicka was a powerhouse during the art deco movement. I’d love to hold both her success and her work discipline.
My aha! moment: I’ve been stealing paper out of my father’s printer since I was a toddler, but I really began taking art seriously when we learned about surrealism in art class. That was my major epiphany regarding how far the medium of painting could be pushed. I was able to shed the notion that art had to be about copying a photograph, which was holding me back.
How can Airdrie support the arts? Airdrie needs to introduce more spaces for artists to gather. The world of fine arts is built upon the notion of co-operation, whether that be critiques, networking or finding inspiration. Without access to these, the young artist is stifled. We have many clubs involved in sports or other interests, but there is a noticeable lack of opportunities for youth to hone their skills in the arts. If we want to foster creativity, this needs to change.
