From the Simcoe Muskoka CDSB: It was quite an honour and a surprise when the Summit Management Office for the G8 Summit approached St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School’s Construction Technology department last fall. They were asked if the department would design and build 10 custom canoes as gifts for the spouses of the G8 heads of state.
It was difficult for students and staff to describe how thrilled they were, especially as they had to keep the entire project “secret” until June 28. Based on the department's success with other major projects, they knew they were up for the challenge, but the hardest part was keeping it under “wraps.”
David Giroux and Vinni Bonazza, two gr. 12 students in teacher Marty Scarlett’s Construction Technology class, were the young men invited to undertake this once-in-a-lifetime project. David and Vinnie worked for weeks on the hand crafted miniature replica canoes, painstakingly designing and building them from scratch.
Each canoe was carefully constructed according to a specific design, then sanded, re-sanded, stained, sanded again and finally finished off with resin and an additional sanding. All of this was done by hand. Every part of the canoe, from the gunnels to the tiny paddles, was constructed by Dave and Vinni who came to school early, worked through lunches and after school, and gave up weekends for this project. Countless hours – and a great deal of talent – went into constructing these beautiful Muskoka keepsakes.
Describing their work together on the project, Vinni said, “I learned that patience really is a virtue. This took us a long time and sometimes it was stressful because we knew the canoes had to be perfect. And being so small, it wasn’t always easy.”
Dave said that while it was sometimes tough going, they helped each other. “We have been friends for a long time and we work well together. Mr. Scarlett also supports us a lot.”
The culmination of all their hard work was something Dave and Vinni had the opportunity to experience first hand because they were invited to the Toronto Convention Centre where they met with the spouses of the G8 Summit dignitaries. Along with teacher Marty Scarlett, Dave and Vinni headed down to Toronto on June 25 where they stayed at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel, courtesy of the G8 organizers.
On June 28, with their special status and security passes in hand, both students had their photos taken with the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. Harper and other spouses of the G8 leaders.
Needless to say, Marty Scarlett is very proud of his students and excited about the privilege they have had.
“This experience has inspired Dave and Vinni and given them more self-confidence. It is something they will always remember” adds Scarlett.
Media interested in following up on this story should contact Pauline Stevenson, Simcoe Muskoka CDSB, Communications and Public Affairs at (705) 722-3555 ext., 229.
Read more about what's happening in Ontario's Catholic schools here.