What was your first reaction when you found out your team was selected as a finalist and would be going to Abu Dhabi?

Elias Mykat:

At first, I thought it was fake honestly. Like maybe a mistake email. Then when the teachers started celebrating, I realized it was real and I just started laughing. I’d never even left Canada before so Abu Dhabi sounded crazy.

Kenyon Bull:

I was shocked. I knew the project was good, but I didn’t think we’d actually get picked worldwide. I went home and told my family, and they didn’t believe me either until they saw it.

How did you feel standing on the global stage with students from around the world?

Elias Mykat:

It felt kinda unreal. Everyone was from different countries but we were all talking about helping our communities. I realized our school mattered just as much as the other schools.

Can you describe what it meant to you emotionally to win the prize?

Elias Mykat:

I didn’t really process it right away. Then I saw Melanie and Ray jumping for joy and I got emotional too. I thought about how this could actually help families back home.

Kenyon Bull:

I felt proud of our school and culture. It wasn’t just a trophy, it meant we could bring real food security to our community.

Was there a moment during the trip that made you especially proud or emotional?

Elias Mykat:

When they said our school name out loud in front of everyone. Hearing “Mamawi Atosketan Native School” there felt big.

Kenyon Bull:

Talking to other countries about where we come from. They listened and cared. That made me proud to share our story.

About the project

How did your Growcer Farm Project idea come about originally?

Elias Mykat:

We already had a garden but winter is long here. We wanted something that could grow food year-round, not just summer.

Kenyon Bull:

A lot of people in our community struggle with food access. We thought if we could grow food locally it would actually help families.

What part of developing the hydroponic farm were you most involved in?

Elias Mykat:

We received a small grant and got a small tower in our classroom. This was the most involvement we both had. But with this new project, both of us will work in the container and be trained. We also went to Olds College here in Alberta and got a chance to work on their container farm. That was very interesting.

What part of the project are you most proud of?

Elias Mykat:

That it’s not just a school project, it’s actually going to feed people.

Kenyon Bull:

We are actually going to help make a change.

Learning & skills

What did you learn about hydroponics and sustainable farming?

Elias Mykat:

You can grow food almost anywhere if you manage environment properly. We can grow food all year now. Food does not always need to be grown outside.

How did this project help you grow as a student or leader?

Elias Mykat:

I got more confident speaking in front of people.

Kenyon Bull:

I learned teamwork. We had to rely on each other.

Impact & Accomplishment

What does winning this prize mean for your school and community?

Elias Mykat:

It shows students from small communities can do big things.

Kenyon Bull:

It brings real opportunity and hope.

How do you hope this project will help Maskwacis in the future?

Elias Mykat:

More fresh food year-round.

Kenyon Bull:

Jobs and learning for younger students.

How does it feel representing Canada and North America?

Elias Mykat:

Pretty crazy honestly. I never expected that.

What advice would you give other students?

Elias Mykat:

Start small but keep going.

Kenyon Bull:

Do something that actually helps people.

What was it like meeting other students from around the world?

Elias Mykat & Kenyon Bull:

It was so cool to meet so many different student. Some did not even speak English and we were using Google translate to talk to one another.

What was the coolest thing you experienced in Abu Dhabi?

Elias Mykat:

The buildings and culture was totally different from home.

Kenyon Bull:

Seeing the desert and the city together.