Students Take Centre Stage at Halton Learning Foundation Fundraiser in Burlington

By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca

 

Students in the Spotlight returned to Burlington Central High School on April 29, bringing together creativity, community, and compassion for an evening that celebrated student talent while raising critical funds for the Halton Learning Foundation. The annual fundraiser once again showcased the artistic and performance abilities of students across the Halton District School Board, all in support of families facing financial barriers.

 

This year’s event expanded in a meaningful way with the introduction of a visual art exhibition, featuring the work of 50 student artists from grades 4 through 12. The addition brought a new dimension to the evening, filling the cafeteria with vibrant displays of creativity and personal storytelling. Among the featured artists was grade 12 Nelson High School student Monica Wilson, who presented her first-ever sculpture. Inspired by a summer trip to France and a character from a video game called Aglaea, Wilson described the experience as a milestone in her artistic journey. “It’s my first sculpture, and I really wanted to bring something to life that felt meaningful to me,” she shared.

 

Another student artist, Olivia from M.M. Robinson High School, explored themes of procrastination, journalling, and habit formation through her work. Her pieces reflected a deeply personal process, connecting everyday struggles with creative expression. Together, the exhibit highlighted not only talent but also the introspective and emotional depth of student artists across Halton District School Board.

 

    

    Artwork by grade 12 student Monica Wilson was featured in the visual art exhibition.

 

On stage, the energy was just as powerful, with 18 acts selected from 145 student applications. The performances ranged from dance, singing, band performances, musical theatre, and more, all supported by a student-led technical team managing sound and lighting throughout the night. Among the performers was Lauren, a grade 6 student from Sunningdale Public School in Oakville, who took on her first solo performance in front of a large audience with the hit “Popular” from Wicked. Despite her nerves, she embraced the moment. “I love being on stage, because my fear goes away,” she said, capturing the transformative power of performance.

 

The event also featured a vibrant cultural performance by Swaramudra Dance Academy, where five students, Miraya, Niveda, Ishaani, Anushka, and Alphonsa, who trained under instructor Sujatha Suresh, performed classical Indian dance styles including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Their performance reflected years of dedication and highlighted the diversity of artistic expression within the Halton student community.

 

Students from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School brought a theatrical element to the evening, performing excerpts from their recent production of Little Shop of Horrors. Cast members Faye, Ryan, Sagar, and Greyden, under the direction of teacher Mrs. Rogers, had just completed their school run of the show days earlier, but were eager to continue performing. “We still wanted to perform and build community and support HLF using our talents for a good cause,” the group shared.

 

    

    Hayden student actors reprised their “Little Shop of Horrors” roles at Students in the Spotlight.

 

Returning as host for the evening was Kimberly Calderbank, who once again brought warmth and enthusiasm to the stage. The event also held personal significance for her, as her daughter performed a dance routine during the show.

 

For HLF’s CEO Marc Clare, the addition of the art exhibition marked an exciting evolution of the event. “It’s the first time we’ve had this art exhibition. The students have already arrived and started setting things up, and you can already sense the energy and excitement,” he said. “I’ve had a number of parents come up to me already, saying, ‘This is amazing.’ It’s just another way that we can shine a spotlight on student talent.”

 

Clare explained that the idea had been in development for several years and was made possible by building on the success of last year’s event at the same venue. 

 

“We’ve talked about it for a few years now and had that vision to add another element of the arts. This year, coming back into the space, we thought we could add that extra element, and it also brings more people in,” he said.

 

The application process for both performers and visual artists followed a similar format, with students submitting either video auditions or images of their artwork through a centralized system. The response reflected strong interest from across the board, reinforcing the importance of accessible platforms for student expression.

 

While the evening focused on celebration, the underlying purpose remained clear. The Halton Learning Foundation continues to support students facing financial hardship by providing essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies, and access to opportunities like field trips and extracurricular activities. So far this year, the foundation has assisted more than 2,200 students across Halton. With rising costs of living, the need has only grown.

 

    

    Grade 6 student Lauren sang on stage at the Students in the Spotlight event.

 

Clare acknowledged these challenges while emphasizing the community’s generosity. “We are encouraged by the response that we’ve had from the community,” he said. “There are some people who maybe wouldn’t have needed our assistance before, but now they do. Part of our message is not only that we need funds to help students in need, but also that if you or someone you know needs support, we are a resource.”

 

He added that access to support begins at the school level, where educators and staff can identify needs or families can come forward directly. “Families can absolutely come forward and talk to the school and say, ‘We can’t afford this’ or ‘We’re having a hard time.’ Then the school applies to the foundation for assistance,” he explained.

 

The broader message of the evening was rooted in collective responsibility and community care. “We are powered by community,” Clare said. “We are entirely reliant on donations from individuals, corporations, and groups. We need the community to help us help those students.”

 

Curtis Ennis, HDSB’s director of education, echoed that call to action, emphasizing the direct impact of donations. “The HLF supports our students, and we are grateful for the contributions of all members of the community,” he said. “We are asking for everyone to step up. It’s a worthy cause, and the resources are provided directly to students, so we know the great work we can do every day.”

 

With support from sponsors including Belairdirect, which matched donations up to $10,000, and Cogeco, the event aimed to make a tangible difference, including a goal of filling 20 backpacks for students in need that night.

 

As the evening came to a close, Students in the Spotlight once again proved to be more than just a showcase of talent. It was a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together to uplift its young people, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, both on stage and in life.