Northern High School students are looking for community support to rejuvenate their courtyard.
The school's Northern Kiwanis Key Club shared architectural renderings during the Seaway Kiwanis Club's luncheon at Sarnia's Golf and Curling Club Tuesday.
Key Club President and Grade 12 student Alexa Soulliere says refreshing the space will help students who are coping with mental health issues at the school.
"I see a lot of people sitting in the halls, or walking the halls, or in the bathroom and there really isn't a safe haven to go to and just take a breather," says Soulliere. "Going to a courtyard, which we're hoping to open up and make a more lively space, will give kids the opportunity to breath the fresh air, reflect on how they're feeling and hopefully the more students get out there, they will get talking about how they feel and what they're going through and it will open up the idea that you're allowed to feel emotions."
Soulliere admits she struggles with depression and anxiety at times and has been very close with students at the school who have either taken their life or considered suicide.
She says what's going on at the school has impacted the whole student body and something needs to be done soon.
"If we can prevent it or make people have a better day than they were having, it's huge," says Soulliere.
The project has been estimated to cost $98,000, if just a contractor was doing the work.
Northern High School teacher Nick Nienhuis expects the budget will lower dramatically with students and staff assisting with the construction and hopefully donations will come from the community, both monetary and supplies.
Seaway Kiwanis President Donna Kelso says the project has value.
"I do because I see that the kids that area here today are very enthused about what's going on and their enthusiasm needs to spill over into the rest of the student body," says Kelso. "It's not just a project to enhance their courtyard, it has far more significant importance because of there focus on the mental health of the students."
Kelso says the Board of Directors will consider the proposal and decided whether or not to contribute to the project at it's next meeting January 30.
For more information, or if you're interested in contributing to the project, you can contact Nick Nienhuis at nicholas.nienhuis@lkdsb.net.
