Several students from across the Rocky View School District who took part in a competition which involved the cult-favourite educational video game, Minecraft, were among the winners announced last week.

The competition saw The City of Calgary partner with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), Microsoft Canada, and the Calgary Public Library to deliver Level Up Calgary Season Two: Achievement Unlocked. The challenge tasked students to design dynamic and sustainable public spaces that celebrate diversity, foster equity, and create unity for all Calgarians. 

For the 2023 competition stage, students chose from four different build sites: Sien Lok Park, Fort Calgary, an underground Green Line LRT Station at Eau Claire, and the Central Library LitCon street festival. 

Lisa Hardy, the Service Design Lead for the Calgary Public Library announced the winners for Division Three for RVS for the LitCon category. The winner was a Grade nine student participating in The Farm Program. Ren G. 

"Ren G., I really loved the focus of your design, which was to bring people together to talk about writing an art. You really talked about bringing in different types of art, including poetry, as well as fiction and literature," Hardy said. "I also loved that you incorporated food into the mix because that also brings people together. I appreciate it your use of materials and the use of space and the way you zoned the entire space in front of the central library. So overall, very well done."

During their presentation of their Minecraft world, Ren G. explained some of their inspirations.

"I also wanted to put an emphasis on all forms of art. So, while writing is the main and most important one; there's also stuff for art, and poems and other forms of writing, not just the classical books."

Dani Delaloye, the Technical Manager for the tunnel and underground portion of the Calgary Green Line project announced the winners for Division One for RVS. Chestermere East Lake Student, Madison was the winner in that category.

"Madison, I really enjoyed the way you incorporated vibrancy and sustainability into your station design. From the bright colours to the multiple locations to learn about Calgary. These are all very important aspects of station design," she said. "I really liked the area near the fountain that you set aside to be calm and relaxed. You even incorporated compost and recycling stations. And best of all, a helper robot. Congratulations!"

Danny Ng, the Director of the Sien Lok Society of Calgary announced the winners of Division Two for RVS. Sophie M. and Jasmine S. of Cochrane's Ranch View School were the winners in that category.

"Some of the key aspects that I thought that you guys did was very unique; one of those was the greenhouse. That's a very unique aspect because one of the things that Chinese people are really good at is gardening," Ng said. "The other really good idea is having a main stage at the park. That way a lot of people can gather in Chinatown and in the park. I want to congratulate you both for a job well done."

Joseph Hui, a volunteer with the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association presented the winners for both the Calgary Catholics School District (CSSD) as well as RVS. The winners were Garv S. and Lincon J from Chestermere High School.

"I particularly love that you had many ideas - one being an animatronic panda that children can play within the park and then with a welcoming Python gate," he said. "You suggest what kind of wood to use and you explain what cultural reasons you have for it. I like both because you address our challenging question of how you will inspire the modern expression of Chinese culture and highlight Chinese history."

Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Schools for RVS, who was one of the judges who reviewed the students' submissions congratulated all the RVS students who took part.

"Much like the Minecraft world, your creations show us that your imagination, innovative spirit, problem-solving abilities, and [that] technology skills have no limits. I'm proud of the hard work and thinking that went into building inclusive and sustainable spaces where everyone belongs. And the best part is you had fun learning."

Luterbach added that all the students' submissions impressed him and thanked the students for the time and energy that they spent on the projects.

"To the teachers, administrators and support staff who encouraged and supported our students during this challenge: Thank you. Thank you as well to the City of Calgary and Microsoft Education for offering this opportunity to our students. Great job students and congratulations again on your accomplishments."

A total of 500 RVS students participated in the challenge out of a total of 30,000 students. There were 72 finalists that were viewed by the judges and 19 winners who were chosen. Student submissions will be displayed at the Calgary Public Library throughout the month of July, along with video presentations from the finalists.