The Lambton Kent District School Board has celebrated student leadership and creativity through its inaugural School Ambassador Film Festival, held June 10 at the Great Lakes Secondary School auditorium.
The event featured student-produced films from 10 LKDSB secondary schools, with each project highlighting the unique culture and experiences within its school community. The films were created through the board’s School Ambassador Program, which invited students in Grades 9 to 12 to serve as digital storytellers and showcase their schools through video and photography.
Throughout the program, students worked together to develop, film and edit short productions while receiving mentorship from industry professionals and board staff. Participants connected with Emmy-winning Foley artist and LKDSB alumnus Jason Charbonneau, as well as members of the board’s communications and secondary education teams.
The festival gave students an opportunity to present their work before an audience of family members, staff and community supporters. Before each screening, ambassador teams spoke about their creative process and the experiences involved in producing their films.
Students from across the district also contributed to the event. Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School culinary students prepared refreshments for guests, while student artists from Ridgetown District High School created masks displayed at the venue.
Each participating team received certificates and school trophies in recognition of their work.
“The School Ambassador Film Festival is an opportunity to amplify authentic student voice,” said Caress Lee, LKDSB public relations officer and co-lead of the project. “When students take the lead in telling their school’s story, the result is meaningful, relatable, and deeply reflective of the communities we serve.”
The board said the films will be made available on the LKDSB website in the coming days, allowing families and prospective students to learn more about opportunities available at secondary schools across the district.
LKDSB officials said the festival demonstrated the value of student-led learning while helping participants develop skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership.
