It is with great pleasure that I rise on behalf of the all of my colleagues here in the Legislative Assembly to pay tribute to the graduates of the Yukon School of Visual Arts. SOVA is an incredibly important institution to the residents of Dawson City and I hope that the students graduating look back on their time in the Klondike with great fondness.

I spoke today to Dr. Curtis Collins, the director and program chair, and he had this to say — and I quote: “This year’s group can be characterized as being extremely entrepreneurial and community-minded.” The direct programming of SOVA has a lasting impact on the social fabric of the community, but this year’s cohort stepped up more than ever and participated in many community events. The students helped organize, for example, a fundraiser to provide a local summer girls’ rock camp for Dawson students. The fundraiser was called “Punk-Rock the Night Away” and was held at the YOOP Hall. It was organized and featured performances by SOVA students.

It is with great pleasure that I rise on behalf of the all of my colleagues here in the Legislative Assembly to pay tribute to the graduates of the Yukon School of Visual Arts. SOVA is an incredibly important institution to the residents of Dawson City and I hope that the students graduating look back on their time in the Klondike with great fondness.

I spoke today to Dr. Curtis Collins, the director and program chair, and he had this to say — and I quote: “This year’s group can be characterized as being extremely entrepreneurial and community-minded.” The direct programming of SOVA has a lasting impact on the social fabric of the community, but this year’s cohort stepped up more than ever and participated in many community events. The students helped organize, for example, a fundraiser to provide a local summer girls’ rock camp for Dawson students. The fundraiser was called “Punk-Rock the Night Away” and was held at the YOOP Hall. It was organized and featured performances by SOVA students.

Students also participated in a “nuit blanche”-style project in the dead of Dawson’s winter called “(s)hiver” that involved indoor and outdoor projects, events and functions at a number of locations — including KIAC hall, the Alchemy Café, SOVA and the farmers market — in the dead of winter. There were circus performances; there were art projections on buildings all around town; and even an Outside DJ on Front Street complete with dancing and wood-chopping. 

Mr. Speaker, both of these events and many more examples — far too many to list here — are examples of volunteer work that is done outside of the course requirements for these students and they are welcome contributions to the dynamic of winter life in the Klondike. 

I’m a huge believer in SOVA and Dawson’s artistic community as a whole. It has a positive effect on our image, both on the national and the international stage, and continues to gain recognition, whether it is in galleries, theatres, or film festivals. It is interesting to note that the majority of full-time students this year in SOVA came from outside the territory — just showing the strong reputation that the school has developed.

So, on behalf of Dawson City residents, I would like to thank the students for choosing SOVA and for the contributions over the year to our town. To the graduating class, you have achieved a great milestone and deserve credit for your accomplishments. I would just like to congratulate the class of 2015. Congratulations to Izzy Burgwin, Robin Henry, Courtney Holmes, Ben Lamarche, Joe Sims, Jon Vanneste, Carly Woolner and part-time students Joyce Caley, Elise Ebner, Cathie Findlay-Brook, Haylie Griffis-King, Susan Holland, Andrea Pelletier, Max Sims and Nina Vroemen. 
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.