KDSS has new mascot, sound system, welcomed theatre performance

Kincardine District Secondary School had plenty to celebrate April 19, as it unveiled its new mascot, Dwight the Knight, dedicated a new sound system, and held a theatre performance for students in Grades 7-10.

Piper Nathan Smith, a member of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, piped in Sir Dwight who was resplendent in green and white, the school colours, complete with helmet and shield.

Vice-principal Suzanne Kennedy said this was an historic moment, and welcomed honoured guest, Gwen Cavasotto, whose late husband, Lewis, served as chairman of the KDSS Home and School Association. The school's brave new mascot is a direct result of funds donated in memory of Lewis to support KDSS school spirit.

"So, with the continued support of the KDSS student council, the Bluewater District School Board, and the KDSS parent council, we are all thankful to be here today to make Lewis' dream a reality," said Kennedy.

Principal Mark Ozorio then conducted the investiture of Dwight the Knight whose name was selected through a contest held at the school. "Dwight, may you forever continue to symbolize our great school and represent our amazing students. Thank you, one and all."

Next, Ozorio unveiled the new sound system, complete with a plaque honouring those who assisted with this project which is a distinct improvement to the old system.

The plaque reads: "Kincardine District Secondary School thanks the Armow Wind energy project, the KDSS Home and School, and teacher Bill McLaughlin for their donations of funds, support and labour toward the gymnasium's new sound system, April, 2016."

Representing Armow Wind at the occasion, were Pat Murray and Susan Novak who joined the crowd for cake in the library. SP Armow Wind donated $10,000 toward the project.

Prior to all this pomp and circumstance, KDSS hosted about 70 Grades 7-8 students from Huron Heights, Elgin Market and Ripley-Huron Community School and the Grades 9-10 KDSS students, for a performance of "Outside" by Roseneath Theatre of Toronto.

Members of KDSS' Gay Straight Alliance group welcomed everyone to the show. The actors, G. Kyle Shields as Daniel, Mina James as Krystina, and Giacomo Sellar as Jeremy, then took to the stage.

"Outside," written by Paul Dunn and directed by Andrew Lamb, is the story of Daniel, a teen who triumphs over homophobic bullying, depression and suicide.

At his new school, he shares his story at a meeting of the Gay Straight Alliance. Meanwhile, at his old school, struggling to come to terms with what happened, his friends, Krystina and Jeremy, attempt to start their own Gay Straight Alliance.

Through flashbacks, we travel through Daniel’s harrowing experience with bullying that began with a taunt and a text message and eventually led to a serious physical assault. Three friends, two high schools, one lunch hour.

It's a tough play to watch as Daniel is asked, "Are you a faggot?" And then suffers for being the first openly-gay boy at his high school. He questions why people are so mean to him?

Jeremy and Krystina ponder that question as well. Jeremy says perhaps people act that way because they don't know any other way to act.

Daniel is treated so badly by the students that he attempts suicide, but survives and ends up in the hospital. He then transfers to another school.

During a question-and-answer period, the actors responded to questions from the audience.

Sellar, who plays Jeremy, said the most difficult part in the play was having to say to Daniel (Shields), "Are you a faggot?"

"You can't forget the weight of that word," he said. "It shows how painful these types of words are."

James, who plays Krystina, said the hardest part for her and for Shields was the hospital scene, because they both know people who have committed suicide due to the lack of support and resources to help them.

"It was tough just reading the script," said Shields. "It's a continuing challenge to allow the characters to tell the story."

For more information about the play and the actors, visit the website at www.roseneath.ca