The Northern Lights Public Schools Board of Trustees proudly presented the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts with a 2024 Friends of Education Award at its meeting earlier today.
“We are thrilled to recognize the Foundation’s incredible efforts on the same day they are celebrating the grand opening of the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre,” said Board Chair Karen Packard. “Their dedication and perseverance will ensure the arts continue to thrive at BCHS and in the Bonnyville area for generations to come.”
The journey to this celebration began in 2019, when Northern Lights Public Schools received approval to modernize Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS). As part of the project, the Lyle Victor Albert Centre - a long-standing hub for the school’s arts programming and the community’s performing arts - was demolished. Recognizing the profound loss this represented for students and the community, BCHS graduate and Juno Award winning artist Clayton Bellamy rallied the community.
Through the leadership of the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts, donations and grant funding was secured, and the former former BCHS gymnasium was transformed into the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre - a new home for the arts in Bonnyville and area, and a new venu for the students at BCHS to showcase their talents.
“Over the last several years, foundation members have devoted countless hours - and sleepless nights - to fundraising, planning, networking, and negotiating to bring their vision to life,” said Packard. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership we have formed with the Foundation and we look forward to continuing to expand the arts education opportunities for our students.”
The Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts is one of three recipients of a 2024 Friends of Education Award. Information about all current and past recipients is available on the NLPS website.