9th annual Grow Our Own event in Fort St. John

On March 6, 2025, 28 students from North Peace Secondary School traveled to The Lido to take part in the 9th annual Grow Our Own mentorship event, sponsored by Urban Systems.

Picture Credits Louis Vaccaro

Students selected four of the 26 local professionals who generously volunteered their time to share insights into their respective fields.

Rotating through four 15-minute sessions, they had the opportunity to explore potential career paths, learn about educational requirements, hear personal success stories, and receive valuable advice from mentors.

Many of the mentors embodied the "Grow Our Own" philosophy, having attended North Peace Secondary School before pursuing professional training elsewhere and returning home to apply their skills.

The event’s keynote speaker, Edward Stafford, a consultant from Urban Systems, provided students with valuable insights on resume recognition, building resilience through travel, and the unique "hometown advantage" of working in the North.

Both students and mentors left the event energized and inspired. Jeff Mayer, Work Experience Teacher for School District 60, shared his deep appreciation for Urban Systems, the Fort St. John community, and their ongoing commitment to supporting youth development.