2009 and Beyond
NDSS Alumni Share Their Stories
Since graduating from NDSS, our alumni have gone on to lead rich, fulfilled lives. We are always happy to hear that they value the excellent education that they received at NDSS. Here are some of their stories:
Mark Hicks, NDSS Class of 2007
University of Detroit, Business
I had an amazing high school experience at NDSS. The teachers and staff were the best. Because the school is not as large as those in St. Catharines or Niagara Falls, you do not get lost amongst the crowds. Everyone knows your name, and you know everyone. It was almost like being in a private school, because there was so much individual attention given to each student. Academically, NDSS fulfilled all my needs to go on to university. I am currently in Michigan studying business for 4 years. I am fortunate enough to be there on a golf and academic scholarship, which is basically 'full-ride'. Being a student at NDSS has definitely prepared me for university life. Recently I was honoured at my university as an honour roll athlete freshman. The Professors are all impressed with how well I was prepared coming out of high school into university. All the courses I needed were offered at NDSS, including Business,Maths and Sciences. I was also so proud to be a member of the 2 time winning OFSSA NDSS golf team. The coaches and teachers helped to make many happy memories for me. NDSS is truly the triple A school.
Elizabeth Hirst, NDSS Class of 2003
“Having been out of high school for a while, but still associating with artists and doing art myself, I can honestly say that the artistic opportunities I had at NDSS were some of the best in the public school system. I've been to Sheridan, talking to many different people from many different high schools, but I find that the NDSS graduates are among the best prepared in terms of contextual knowledge and experience. Thanks, NDSS!”
Cayla Christiansen, NDSS Class of 2007
I was one of those kids who was bussed out every morning from St. Catharines to NOTL. From the first moment I stepped into the doors of NDSS I knew I had found the place I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. NDSS helped me step out of my comfort zone and dare to experience life in a way I never thought I could. As a participant in the DNA Arts program I was able to participate in all forms of art from performance to visual. I grew as an artist and as an individual. This intimate environment and amazing program taught me how to interact with others, work successfully on a team, express myself. To date my years at NDSs have been some of the most fulfilling and memorable.
Nick Weidner, NDSS Class of 2004
3rd year of BAA Animation at Sheridan
DNA Arts helped me find what I have been looking for all along, a career I look forward to. Creativity is not something that can be taught by a book or tested by exam. It must be guided, developed and allowed to flourish. If art is a science, it is a science of everything. I don't know what else I could possibly have done with my life.
The experience and opportunities it provided gave me the step up that I needed to really stand out now.
Dean Heezen, NDSS Class of 2008
Animation Program, Sheridan College
I must say, the four years spent at NDSS will be the most memorial years to date. From grade 9 to 12, Niagara District has not only prepared me for my future enrollment in the arts, but it has also shaped who I am and how I live. To experience the school's dedication to its students and its staff's passion to spread their knowledge in the visual, medial, musical, performing arts, and of course, the academics was truly astounding. By studying and being involved in the DNA Arts, I have met so many unique, and wonderful people with the same interests and similar, exceeding talents. Now, all my friends, as well as myself, are enrolled and studying professionally in the fields we've all dreamed of. There will always be a great spot in my heart for Niagara District. I can't thank this school enough. NDSS: Made to Dream, Built for Success.
Ally Brinsmead-Lachnit, NDSS Class of 2006
Brock University, Concurrent Education
In the competitive world of post-secondary education, I feel that having been involved with such an in-depth, rigorous and unique program like the DNA Arts at NDSS has given me and many other graduates a great advantage over many other post-secondary students who were not exposed to a similar experience.
The DNA Arts program features unique classes and passionate, caring teachers which truly assist students in exploring their talents, interests, and ultimately themselves as individuals, which is an extremely enriching opportunity for students to have and has made many of the program's graduates feel confident and comfortable going into unfamiliar territory. The program, and specifically its supportive and challenging teachers, has aided me in growing as an artist and a person, and I believe has truly influenced in a positive way how I will choose to live and make use of the rest of my life.
Emma Sturm, NDSS Class of 2007
Brock University, Music
Living in the Falls, I came to Niagara District Secondary School specifically for the arts. I experienced all of those arts first hand. The visual arts, the dance, the drama, and the music all had one thing in common; teachers with passion. Teachers who inspire their students to go on to pursue a secondary education in the subject that they teach. Mr. Cockburn, the principal is an incredible help also with all of his support for the arts. NDSS inspired me every day. I was always encouraged to try something new, and see where it took me, most of the time I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't come to Niagara District because I had to. I came because I wanted to. I didn't miss class unless I was in the emergency room at the hospital. I loved classes, I loved the teachers, and I loved the atmosphere. But most of all I love learning. Learning about the arts, others perspectives, and learning about myself and what I am capable of. Thank you NDSS and your teachers for making all of this possible and helping to make the person I am today though encouragement, love and respect.
Katherine Adams, NDSS Class of 2007
University of Toronto/Sheridan College, Art and Art History
NDSS and its special DNA program give you the opportunity to really explore who you are as a unique and creative individual. You are given the freedom to explore multiple disciplines in depth, and have the time of your life while doing it! What other high school offers classes on everything from Salsa Dancing, to Saxophone, and Set Design, to Shakespeare, and Silk Screening?! In all honesty, NDSS, has made me who I am today. Its excellent staff and student body helped to make high school a truly enjoyable part of my life.
Steph Sitkon, NDSS Class of 2007
NDSS's art programs are run by the best teachers. The teachers believe in following your heart and give the best support in the classroom. Their positive supportive attitude helps student to believe in themselves and their ability to be and do anything they can dream up.
Jamie King, NDSS Class of 2005
"As a country that is continually striving to establish an identity Canada looks towards the arts as an important aspect of protecting its cultural sovereignty. The DNA arts programs at NDSS have become vital to this. They allow Drama, Dance, Music, and Visual art students to showcase and foster their talents as Canada’s next brightest stars."
"What do Attack In Black, Straight Reads the Line, and Casey Baker and the Buffalo Sinners all have in common? They are all successful up and coming bands that include members once part of the DNA arts program at NDSS. It just goes to show how a little school with the hands on experience and teaching can go a long way."
"The arts have always been seen as an elite form of culture. The DNA arts at NDSS have continually provided this important part of culture to students for years. This opportunity challenges students to be creative, to use both hemispheres of their brain and to enjoy it. The students are the future and the arts keep the day dreamers alive."