Students Win Awards for Future of Canadian Design

5/6/2026

By Ms. Margot Harms, Head of Fine and Performing Arts, Senior School

Congratulations to Salma Elsheikh '27 and Danika Sung '27, who placed 2nd and 3rd at the Big and Lit Awards ceremony held at the Polygon Art Gallery in North Vancouver earlier this week.

This rigorous process began in January, when the Drafting 12 class entered proposals for a bridge competition accommodating bicycles and pedestrians, along with a children’s play area and a café to connect the upper and lower areas of North Vancouver over Highway 1.

Salma and Danika were shortlisted and presented their work last month to a design committee comprising architects, urban planners, and UBC professors. At the awards event this week, they were celebrated by North Vancouver’s mayor, Linda Buchanan, and the design committee, alongside other shortlisted students and were presented with trophies designed by local artists, as well as cash prizes.

The competition featured three categories: elementary school, high school, and university students under 25. It was enlightening to see the wide range of proposals across all groups, with many university participants coming from across Canada. The competition provided a valuable opportunity to engage with and highlight emerging designers in Canada.

Here is Salma's design and here is Danika's. Well done, both!

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.