Penhold Crossing student, Hayden Gambin, receives nomination for Honouring Spirit Indigenous Award

Two Chinook’s Edge high school students have been nominated for the Alberta School Boards Association’s Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Award. École Olds High School has nominated Grade 11 student Rayna Scott, and Penhold Crossing School has nominated Grade 12 student Hayden Gambin.
 
The award recognizes 12 First Nations, Metis, or Inuit students who attend school in Alberta, and who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education paths.

Staff say Hayden Gambin is an ‘amazing human being’ who makes a positive impact on school culture at Penhold Crossing

Hayden Gambin’s nomination had its roots in the quiet observation of her goodness. It started when Penhold Crossing staff member Karina Lucas read the qualifications for the award and immediately thought of Gambin.

Lucas works in the school’s learning commons and regularly observes Gambin. “I have listened to the way she interacts with others. She is kind, and personable. I’ve been impressed with the kind of friend she is,” says Lucas.

Principal Clark Peters says, “Hayden is an amazing human being. She does the right thing for the right reason. She isn’t looking for acclaim. She gets involved in our school and quietly makes a difference. She has a positive impact on our school culture.” 

Teacher Jeff Anderson, who has coached Gambin on the school’s volleyball team, and who submitted a nomination letter says, “Hayden has a strong presence on the court and with fellow team members. She came to us shy, but has just soared.”

Anderson said in his nomination letter that “Hayden works hard to maintain excellence in academic standards in all of her classes. Also, her leadership in many extracurricular activities allowed her to exhibit her excellent positive attitude and focus to impact others. … She puts 100 percent effort into every position or endeavor she pursues.” 

Gambin says the nomination came as a surprise. “I think of myself as kind of quiet, so it was unexpected and also cool,” she says. “I’d like to thank Mr. Anderson for the years he has helped me grow - not just in volleyball but as a person. He has helped me gain confidence.” 

Gambin’s grandmother on her Dad’s side is Indigenous. “I am proud of my heritage,” she says. “My grandmother taught us to be proud of who we are.” 

At school, Gambin says her favorite activity is sports. “It feels nice to work hard to achieve something with other people,” she says. 

Gambin has applied to Red Deer Polytechnic in psychology. She is also considering pursuing 
studies in architecture.