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When Matthew Lyon, Chief Creative Officer at , attended the inaugural Specialist High Skills Major’s Animation POOL in 2024, he expected to meet a few promising students. What he found instead was a cohort of young animators whose talent and professionalism prompted him to take on not just one, but seven, Cooperative Education students from Northview Heights Secondary School’s Arts & Culture SHSM program. 

Ayanle, Caydee, Dasha, Diana, Gukeshan, Samantha (Sam), and San spent their placement immersed in real-world production work, contributing to digital animation projects that will soon reach audiences online and beyond. Their work was completed using industry-standard tools and software and guided by a seasoned mentor in a professional animation studio. 

“From the start, the students blew me away,” said Lyon. “They were producing professional-quality work, asking the right questions, and supporting each other in a collaborative way. This was never just a student project, it was a real production, and they rose to meet it.” 

The students produced a trailer for an episode, which premiered at the 吃瓜黑料网’s SHSM Animation Festival. They are close to finishing the full episode and are determined to complete it, even if it takes the summer. 

For many, the experience has been both transformative and inspiring. Caydee shared how learning to take feedback was a pivotal moment: “I used to get attached to my work, and it felt like a personal attack. I learned not to take it personally. Seeing the completed trailer and the reactions from the audience, including post-secondary animation teachers, was incredibly rewarding.” She also described her role in creating storyboards and initial sketches, watching them evolve as the project progressed. 

Gukeshan highlighted the accelerated skill-building: “I’ve been using the software for three years, but with professional guidance, I gained a much deeper understanding.” 

Dasha described the pride of hearing industry recognition: “Knowing our efforts were acknowledged was a huge affirmation. Even though it was a Co-op project, it became our passion project, and we put in extra work after hours because we wanted to.” 

Diana emphasized the importance of precision: “Attention to detail is critical. Professionals point out small mistakes that most people wouldn’t notice.” 

Sam reflected on collaboration and creativity: “One of my ideas was picked from many of our group came up with. Seeing it grow beyond what I imagined proved my ideas can go somewhere. A simple idea became part of something amazing, greater than the sum of its parts.” 

San spoke about adapting skills: “I’m used to hand-drawn animation, so learning rigging was a new challenge and important growth.” 

 Throughout the experience, the students often recalled a key lesson from Matthew Lyon: “The way you do anything is how you do everything.” Gukeshan noted, “His passion rubs off on us and then that rubs off on him… it’s a positive feedback loop.” Caydee added, “Matt never discouraged us; he gave us guidance to make us better. If I could do this project again, I would.” 

 The placement experience also sparked career ambitions: each student plans to pursue post-secondary education in animation, with many eyeing Seneca College’s prestigious program. Their success is a shining example of what’s possible when industry partners invest in youth talent. 

This momentum highlights the growing impact of the 吃瓜黑料网’s Specialist High Skills Major programs, especially in Arts & Culture. It underscores the power of authentic, hands-on learning opportunities that connect students with the real world of work, preparing them for future careers, and igniting their creative passions.