Nova Scotia school honours alumni through powerful project

Auburn Drive High School has launched the 'I am because' initiative – inspiring current students by showcasing the achievements of those who came before them.

Auburn Drive High School in Cole Harbour N.S., is turning its hallways into a source of inspiration for current students by celebrating those who came before them.

The school’s new initiative, titled “I Am Because,” features portraits of former African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students who have gone on to pursue a wide range of professions. From educators to medical students, these graduates are now faces on the wall and role models for the next generation.

The project was spearheaded by Catherine Thompson, a fine art specialist with Halifax Regional Arts.

“I got thinking about African Nova Scotian students here and Indigenous students here and, you know, did they see themselves in possible future careers,” Thompson said.

Among those featured is Nnamdi Chiekwe.

“Since graduating, I’ve done a couple undergrads, but currently I’m studying medicine,” he said.

Nnamdi Chiekwe Nnamdi Chiekwe is a graduate of Auburn Drive High School. (Source: Katie Kelly/CTV News Atlantic)

Also on the wall is Brianna Willis, who now teaches primary at Humber Park Elementary.

“I teach primary one, so it’s really fun,” she said.

Brianna Willis Brianna Willis teaches primary at Humber Park Elementary. (Source: Katie Kelly/CTV News Atlantic)

Thompson said the goal of the project is to show students what’s possible.

“I thought it would be really wonderful for the students coming up to see people like them that were in this school, that are now going on to do professions that they’re gonna be really happy in and have passion for,” Thompson said.

The display has made a big impression on current students.

“They’re amazed. They love it,” said Auburn principal Karen Hudson. “They said, ‘How can I get onto the wall?’ They want to be on the wall.”

And that’s exactly what the school hoped for — that seeing representation would spark ambition.

“If you’re looking to pursue any sort of goal, it was always nice to see people that looked like you,” said Chiekwe. “If I can inspire anyone, it means a lot to me.”

“As a student, I didn’t think I would have such a role as an adult,” said Willis. “But now I can actually see the impact I have on them.”

Hudson says they plan to keep adding more faces to the “I Am Because collection” in the future.

I Am Because "I Am Because" features portraits of African Nova Scotia and Indigenous students. (Source: Katie Kelly/CTV News Atlantic)

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