"Follow your passion" was the message received by Windermere Secondary students at a Mini WE Day celebration.

WE is an international organization that promotes empowering young people to create positive change in the world and Windermere has a WE club.

The morning began with a pep rally, followed by a series of presentations from inspiring Vancouverites, including TEDxGastownWomen founder Brittany Whitmore, social entrepreneur Victoria Teo, student activist Robin Horner, Soular Backpacks founder Salima Visram, motivational speaker Sam Thiara, and Nicole Gutierrez, co-president of financial literacy organization Target Alpha STC.

"The highlight for me was the opportunity for our students and students from our family of elementary schools to come together to experience an event that highlighted the ability for anyone of them to be successful no matter the obstacles," said Rick Mesich, principal at Windermere Secondary.  "The empowerment theme that ran throughout the event was uplifting and inspiring."

After the event, several students said the speakers inspired them and they got something valuable out of the event. For Mesich, the students who hosted the event were the true heroes of the day.

"This event was completely student run and organized," says Mesich. "It is incredible how well the event turned out through the hard work and commitment of our students. I want to congratulate them all for a job well done and for making our community proud."

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