Estevan basketball team wins public school citizenship award

ESTEVAN - The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs' senior girls' basketball team has been recognized for its commitment to giving back through the annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Pink Basketball Tournament. 

The squad was among the recipients of a Public Schools of Saskatchewan Student Citizenship Award, presented at a ceremony in Saskatoon on June 7. ECS team member Prysm Gooding, who created a video for the submission, and head coach Jessie Smoliak attended the ceremony. 

The awards recognize initiatives undertaken by public school student groups or classes that support citizenship or character building within their school and community.

Three $1,000 awards are presented for Grade 1-8 projects and three more are for high school projects.

“We are proud to celebrate these incredible students and the staff who support them,” said Lois Smandych, Public Schools of Saskatchewan executive member and chairwoman of the citizenship awards selection committee. “These projects highlight the great work that is happening in public schools across our province to educate students about both their rights and their responsibilities as citizens of our pluralistic society.”

In an email to the Mercury, ECS principal James Jones said the school is "very proud" it was selected as a winner of an award. 

"We are so proud of this accomplishment and recognition of our student athletes and coaches," said Jones. 

In the video, Gooding discussed the history of the tournament, which started in 2011 and is named after Smoliak's father, who died from cancer following a lengthy battle. 

"The Victor Elias Shoot for a Cure Pink Tournament is well known all around Saskatchewan," said Gooding. 

Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 for people in the Estevan area battling cancer.

Members of the Elecs also reflected on the tournament's importance during the video. One player noted the tournament has been happening almost as long as she's been alive. 

Public Schools of Saskatchewan recognize public school student groups or classes that support citizenship or character building within their schools or community by providing annual Student Citizenship Awards. Student groups or classes at elementary and high school will be recognized for their contributions.

Criteria includes making a difference in the school or the community; promoting democratic values; making an environmental impact; and promoting the value of public education.

Other winners included:

• Creighton School: Junior Leadership Council;
• Plainsview School, Regina: Grade 5 Leaders
• William Grayson School, Moose Jaw: Grade 6/7 Giving Back
• Muenster School – Headstrong
• North Battleford Comprehensive High School – Vikings Speak

The award presentation ceremony included remarks by Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill and Senator David Arnot, who serves on the Concentus Citizenship Foundation board.

Public Schools of Saskatchewan represents 16 public school boards in the province and advocates for inclusive public education in Saskatchewan.