Coast Mountain College to recognize the challenges of 2020 with Art Print in honour of graduates

Art from Prince Rupert's Kari Morgan K'alaajex will be
awarded to graduates of Coast Mountain College this year
in recognition of the unique circumstances of their studies in 2020

With the Class of 2020 at Coast Mountain College having just completed studies amidst some of the most challenging of circumstances, their perseverance will be recognized with a Special honour.

Towards some extra recognition for a unique year,  the College has commissioned an Art piece to celebrate their dedication and achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Each of this years graduates will receive a printed copy of the artwork Resilience, created by Prince Rupert's Kari Morgan K'alaajex, the piece from the Nisga'a artist was selected by the college to reflect the spirit of resiliency that this years graduates have shown.

“We wanted to recognize the achievement of our graduates in these trying times with something special. We are so proud of our students and their ability to adapt and learn in quickly changing circumstances – attributes which will put them on good footing in the future.” -- Justin Kohlman, President & CEO of Coast Mountain College

Ms. Morgan who has gifted the graduates with the piece, made note of the creative process that led to the creation of her work.

“The beautiful fireweed is one of the first plants to grow after a devastating forest fire, and just like the graduates of 2020, it proves that if you persist through even the largest of epidemics there is still hope to grow and flourish. The frog is a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Because of their drastic changes throughout their lifetime they also symbolize one's own ability to adapt and transform.”

More background on her work can be reviewed here.

The graduates will be receiving their artwork in the mail, along with a letter of congratulations from Coast Mountain College.

College President and CEO Justin Kohlman also celebrated the Class of 2020 with a Special message on Wednesday, noting how the pandemic has impacted on the traditional recognition that graduation would provide for.

The President's full address can be reviewed here.

The success for the Class of 2020 will also be hailed through Social Media in the next few weeks, you can access those salutes through the Coast Mountain College convocation page, as well as by way of their Facebook page and Instagram Feed.

For more notes related to Coast Mountain College see our archive page here.