UNITY — Sixteen years ago, Unity Composite High School began a special recognition for former students and teachers who achieved success in a number of areas since high school. Alixandra Jade Knowles was the 28th inductee acknowledged at the annual UCHS awards night, held June 6.
Unity Composite High School opens nominations each year for former students who achieved success in a number of categories. The Hall of Honour is intended to honour alumni and staff of UCHS who have gone on from the school to make a significant contribution to society and to inspire current students of UCHS. There are six categories of inductees — academics, arts, athletics, citizenship, humanities and industry.
The nominated individual must have been out of UCHS for a minimum of 10 years with the following criteria considered: have post-secondary education/experience, achieved a significant milestone, competed at an elite level and have been nominated. Nominations are reviewed each year by the committee plus one administrator.
Knowles came to town that week and paid it forward by presenting a painting class in Miss Z’s Grade 1 class, where Knowles was once a student.
“What an honour it is to accept this award for my accomplishments in arts and business and be inducted into the UCHS Hall of Honour. I am proud to be from Unity and the years I spent at UCHS,” Knowles says.
Knowles went to on tell those in attendance that when she was growing up, she didn’t even know what a mural artist was, let alone that it could be a career. She also referred to dating herself saying that when she was at UCHS, they had dial-up internet, Facebook was brand new and Instagram wasn’t even a thing. Knowles is a UCHS graduate of 2011.
“Growing up in a small town gave me a sense of connection and community, whether it was my friend’s dad teaching our science class, growing up with my mom volunteering at school with me, or having supportive teachers that still follow my journey after I have graduated. Special thanks to Mrs. Gilbert for fueling my creative juices from art class to drama, to improv. Thank you, Mrs. VanDeMetter, for being such a pillar of support in helping me pursue my passion in cross country, track and field, and weightlifting. And thank you to Mrs. Orobko for nominating me for this award. “
Knowles acknowledged her biggest thanks were to her parents for their endless support, love and encouragement her entire life, helping her navigate the highs and lows.
“Take pride and have passion in the work you do, and it will take you farther than you know.”
She left students with this message, “I’ve had hundreds of no’s said to be me, but I all it takes is the right yes and a new world of possibilities can open for you. Keep seeking opportunities and don’t wait for them to happen because you never know where it will take you.”
Mrs. Orobko read Knowles’ nomination for the category of Arts and Industry.
“A highly respected artist turned entrepreneur, Alix is the founder of Alixandra Jade Art & Design Co. based out of Edmonton. Alixandra Jade Art & Design Co. is an international multidisciplinary art and design company specializing in hand-painted murals to help enhance and personalize homes, businesses and communities.”
Orobko notes that as a student, whether it was a project in art or a final exam, Knowles never cut corners to save a minute, and was always committed to excellence.
The Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald and SASKTODAY.ca have carried several stories on Knowles’ business that has her work shown from Rogers Place in Edmonton to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Lexington, Ky. to New York City’s iconic Flower District.
“She is a role model of the UCHS vision statement: Building Citizens, Striving for Excellence,” says Orobko.
