Spartan Youth Radio Circa 2013 - 2014
Spartan Youth Radio was Canada's oldest high school podcast multimedia station, producing video, audio and written content to a global audience for over seven years.
This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2013-2014 archived pages.
In early 2014, Spartan Youth Radio shuttered its doors.
Something even better, more far-reaching, took it's place.
"When one door closes, another opens! The Launch Pad is a great idea!"
-Blake Priddle, Espanola HS alumnus and radio broadcaster
Circa 2014
Spartan Youth Radio started off as a small radio-style podcast and has, over the years, morphed and evolved into something much, much bigger.
WHAT....ARE YOU?
What is Spartan Youth Radio, you ask?
Why is it an important opportunity for teens? What can I do to get involved? What was up with the final episode of Lost? These are all very good questions! Good on you for thinking them.
While we have no idea what was going on with Lost, I can tell you mountains of information about Spartan Youth Radio. Some say we are a cover for the McKerrow Mafia, some say we're a failed government experiment that became self aware and grew into a sentient entity obsessed with the takeover of the world, starting with Ontario's youths and plotting to slowly use their influence to take over the world and destroy all we hold dear. Some say we're a bogus club a couple kids made up to get an extra photo in the yearbook.
These are all interesting theories, but our top researchers have uncovered the truth; Spartan Youth Radio began in the late 12th century as a means for Ukrainian bards to share their creations over a large area utilizing a wide spectrum of badgers and ostriches in colourfully decorated hats. Though it is unclear at what point we stopped pulling rabid animals off of bards and became a successful industry spawning over thousands of different media forms and generations, it is clear that Spartan Youth Radio has become the one constant in an inconsistent world, the very glue that holds the fabric of time and space together. It has been estimated that the universe as we know it would have come to an abrupt, cataclysmic end an estimated 4.2 billion times if not for the invention of spreadable cheese, and about 16 times if not for the creation of Spartan Youth Radio.
No, SERIOUSLY...
Heading into its eighth season, Spartan Youth Radio is one of Canada's oldest podcast media stations. Today we offer a unique opportunity for teens to learn about and participate in every aspect of media production. From song writing, to movie making, to game developing, if it can be done, Spartan Youth Radio can probably do it in some way, shape, or form.
To answer your earlier question about the importance of such a program, simply ask yourself this; as a high school student, would an opportunity like this help me decide where I want to take my life? Would it offer up fun and exciting opportunities I would otherwise never be exposed to? Would it give me much needed experience in areas such as Film, Music, Politics, and much more that would undoubtedly help me in my future, whether I want to go into these areas professionally or simply as a hobby? Would it help me succeed in high school, giving me skills and tools to make A+ material for assignments, collect community hours, and help me come out of my shell to be a more outgoing individual? Yes. The answer is yes. That's what I was going for here.
"Wowzers!" You may say. "This sure seems swell!" You're probably thinking. "Jeepers! What can I do to get involved?" Well, first of all, you can send us buckets of cash. If there's one thing we could always use more of, it's funds! Simply become a sponsor by hovering over the "ABOUT" tab and click "SPONSORSHIP"! Take a cue from CleanItSupply.com who has offered to support my program in exchange for some mentions of the fact that CleanItSupply.com sells a huge variety of cleaning supplies, including wholesale paper towels at a huge discount. You need these paper towels, folks! Once you've become a sponsor like CIS, your name, or the name of your business and/or company shall be plastered on the Spartan Youth Radio homepage, and will be included in the credits of our videos. Now, after you've dumped your entire Paypal balance into our custody, you're probably wondering how else you can get involved. Spartan Youth Radio is always looking for cool, exciting, hip additions to our website. If you're talented in drawing and want to send us some fan art, or you've written a review or something, or you want us to review something of yours, simply contact us via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Email, or with the handy on-site Contact form and send us your material. Finally you can get involved by telling your friends, classmates, and co-workers about Spartan Youth Radio and checking the site for updates on a regular basis. Subscribe to our Youtube, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, anything to show your support.
I leave you now with an old-timey ostrich gif.
Spartan Youth Radio is Canada's oldest high school podcast multimedia station, producing video, audio and written content to a global audience for over seven years.
Housed at a studio in Espanola, Ontario, Canada, Spartan Youth Radio has met worldclass musicians (Billy Talent), television personalities (Survivorman), comedians (Rick Mercer), writers (Margaret Atwood), politicians (the late Jack Layton), aboriginal leaders (Shawn Atleo) and other fascinating people.
Of course, SYR have also produced their own short films, movie and book reviews and other incredible content!
ISSUES
be the change you seek in the world - Ghandi
Over the years, Spartan Youth Radio's reporters and correspondents have brought you hard-hitting interviews with some of the world's most interesting and inspiring people, from Holocaust survivors and wheelchair-bound jungle explorers to First Nations leaders and gay rights activists. .
Spartan Youth Radio's ISSUES section brings the world to this remote community and vice vers
A LETTER FROM ALUMNUS GARY DUQUETTE
My name is Gary Duquette, but if you watch one of the many videos I've been a part of, then you probably knew that by the picture.
I write this one last piece as my official sign off from Spartan Youth Radio as an official member. I want to make it clear that these five years of high school will always be cherished in my life as the best and it's thanks to you- the viewers, my friends in SYR, and SYR's producer Jayson Stewart. Without all of you I would have never made the choice to go into a career in film; something my life would be nothing without.
None of this leaving stuff hit me until I went on the Spartan Youth Radio website, and saw the schools out front page. Right then and there, I realized my regular contribution to SYR has ended and the studio will now be very Gary-less in the future. The thing is I'm ok with it all. I'm going to try my best to stay in touch with SYR as an alumnus and help in any way possible, even though I'll be far away from home.
To all my friends, make the days you have left last because you'll be saying goodbye to the best days of your life one day too
To all the fans reading this I thank you, and ask that you continue to help make lives like mine memorable.
To Mr. Stewart, keep being awesome and making teens lives better. More importantly, keep SYR alive.
Signing off,
Gary Duquette
2013 HAVE YOUR SAY!
REVIEW: REAL STEEL IS THE REAL DEAL
03/29/2013
by Jimmy Stata for Spartan Youth Radio
Do you like robots? Do you like boxing? Do you like Wolverine aka Hugh Jackman?
Well, this movie gives you Wolverine controlling robots that fight each other in the ring.
Well, Hugh Jackman is controlling the robots, but I find it more appealing when I think of it as Wolverine.
Now, it has been a while since I've seen it, but here's basically how it goes:
Wolverine is an old boxer trying to make his way in the new sport of robo-boxing.
He goes on a life changing adventure with his estranged son and they build a relationship around their love of dueling bots. Wolverine and his son find an old robot in the dump, fix it up, and enter a series of robo-boxing matches.
Do they have what it takes to the best father-son robo-boxing team the world has ever seen? See Hugh Jackman and some kid in the number one father-son underdog boxing robot movie of 2011!
This movie, actually is not very good from a critical viewpoint; it's predicable, it's been done a million times before, the characters aren't realistic or well-rounded enough and almost nothing in this story could happen in real life, but quite frankly, I don't care. I had such a good time watching it that I didn't care how bad it was. I paid for Wolverine fighting via robots and, by dang it, that's what I got!
It's like like a mix of Megabots, Rocky, and any father-son bonding movie you can think of. At the end of the day, that's a pretty awesome combo.
If you want a movie you can just watch and enjoy for simply what it is, I strongly recommend Real Steel, to purchase, rent or see on Netflix.
REVIEW: Hotel Transylvania Bites
03/25/2013
by Jimmy Stata for Spartan Youth Radio
Aside: Oh my gosh! Castlevania is a mix of "castle" and "transylvania". It all makes sense now.
It was... okay. It had some funny parts, a lot of jokes for the parents. I didn't like the kid though.
In Hotel Transylvania, there was this part where Dracula puts in some ear buds and it plays LMFAO and he's all like "Aaaaaghh! It's sucking out my soul!" An appropriate response, actually.
The film sort of does the "liar revealed" thing, but they really don't mope or dwell on it that much. Dracula immediately decides to fix the problem he caused rather than mope about it for ten minutes.
You know, Dracula had a good reason to lie about the humans: they murdered his wife. He was trying to protect people.
After this plot reveal, the movie got kind of stupid. "They zinged!" what? "You only zing once in your life" #YOZO! I'm sorry.
The overall message of the story was pretty much "If your first love doesn't work out, you may as well get 40 cats right now 'cause your life is over."
There was also something about prejudice, but it didn't really work because, you know, monsters kill people, so they've got a pretty good reason for it. Also, they go to a monster convention, prove that they are real monsters and are immediately accepted without question. Yeah, never mind the fact that they've killed people. And no, they didn't stop killing people either. "Will they kill me?" "Only if they find out you're a human" and "if you ever come back or tell anyone about this place I will drink the blood from you until you look like a deflated whoopie cushion" and, lastly, "if I didn't, I thought your dad would kill me" "Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't do that" "No... I probably would have."
Also, the end sucked. It was like, a big rave thing with horrible auto-tune music, then Dracula rapped. Really? A rapping dracula? Both Bela Legosi and Biggie are rolling in their respective graves.
THere is far too much LMFAO in this movie. And, again, the kid was an idiot. An immortal vampire with the body of an 18 year old being with a mortal human with a regular aging body? Eventually it's going to look like an 80 year old with an 18 year old. Creepy. Also, he will grow old and die long before she does, which puts a damper on human-vampire dating.
Last beeft? They referred to Frankenstein's monster as "Frankenstein". Frankenstein was the scientist. The monster was just called "The Monster". Without giving too much away, he died at the end of the book. I really don't think the writers studied the monsters very much and just went with basic general knowledge
Well, that was a lot of negativity. What's good about it? Um... like I said, it had some funny jokes.
All in all, I wouldn't recomend Hotel Transylvania to everyone, but apparently a lot of people liked it. To each his own, I suppose. If you see it on Netflix or something and you've got nothing better to do, you could give it a watch. I wouldn't buy it though.
REVIEW: THE NOT SO WONDERFUL, MUCH LESS POWERFUL OZ
03/10/2013
by Kaitlyn Dougon, Spartan Youth Radio alumnus
Don't. Just don't.
Why?
The writing is the most horrible, contrived trash I've heard in a while. The script contains practically no original statements. Everything spoken was directly related to a physical action that was happening and then reiterated several times over for each character. The word choices were terrible and the mix of formal and informal speech was painfully obvious and intrusive.
The plot meandered and didn't adhere to itself. Children under 8, don't fear. the story might actually hold up to your standards but certainly not mine. There is little to no character development. For example, Oz goes from a lady-killer jerk to a 'good hearted man' virtually overnight and for no reason. The Wicked Witch blames him for her wickedness, despite knowing him for hours - at best
The cinematography was miles behind, in quality and technique, than most anything out on the big screen. Establishing shots were hardly used, cross-cutting was OVER used and the camera lingered too long and created awkward pauses. The graphics and effects were shameful, and had I produced it, I would have been LIVID if I had to spend money on such poor quality.
Franco was good though, right? The acting was rigid and demeaning to the actors, at best. Not only did they have to work with poor storyboarding and writing, but they somehow had to bring it alive and task was far too difficult for them. The actor's interaction with CGI was terrible and not believable.
Don't spend money on seeing this film. It is seriously not worth it. The only positive I would give it is that the director made use of a good choice of palette. The colours were nice and vibrant. To be honest though, you could probably find that sort of an enjoyment in a paint store. For free.
The Tech March
03/02/2013
We live in an age where the only thing that separates us from the animals is the ability to drive, communicate in the blink of an eye, and our oh-so-lovely opposable thumbs. We march onward into the next big thing in technology, from the wheel to space travel to the sweet, sweet wonders of microwaveable pizza. And we still continue. Now bring a steampunk enthusiast, I have a love for all things old and Victorian, but I still have plenty of love left over the next big thing. Unfortunately, we can't go around in our giant mechs if they run on steam power.
Sony has announced the intention of developing a wristband computer slated for sale by 2020, featuring such lovely features as a holographic projector acting as a screen, a pullout keyboard panel, flexible OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen, and touch screen social networking on a 3G wireless network. All of this can come in a variety of fetching shades such as the standard glossy black, a lovely white and pink mashup, and (my personal favourite) a highly respectable green and white. It also has a camera built in the hinge that takes pictures by aiming your wrist and shooting, kind of like Astro Boy meets Peter Parker. All of this comes to us from designer Hiromi Kiriki, and I must say it looks exactly how you imagine a future wrist computer to look; sleek and shiny.
But looking at technology that can be used in the very near future can be just as amazing. Soon every gamer, soldier and tech enthusiast on earth may become a Psychonaut. Neuro-Sky, a tech company, developed a helmet-headband crossover that can read the brainwaves you emit and translate that into signals that the receiving piece of tech can interpret. Apparently, Lucas Licensing (Lucas being of George Lucas fame) has snapped up the rights to a new toy that uses this technology to simulate the all powerful Force. It allows you to move a ball with your mind through an obstacle course. I expect the packaging will say things like Force Lightning sold separately. Or Lightsaber not included. Of course, technology like this will have to enter the video game industry. Already there are peripherals that allow the player to control the game with his mind. Emotiv Systems is planning to release a $US299 headset that allows users to control the game with 16 sensors that read the brainwaves later on in the year.
And lastly we have technology that already has been released making innovation in other areas.
Everybody and their grandmother's right hip knew about the Xbox Kinetc and the things it's capable of. You can jump, play, dance, kick, swing, and coach tigers. However, some might not know that the Kinetc is being elevated to 1:1 perception, being able to interpret your every move. It's also being used in the field of medicine. They're experimenting using the Kinetc as a way to manipulate 3D images of scans instead of a clunky mouse and keyboard.
All of these awesome things are going to propel us skyward! Not like Jetsons skyward, but like a more metaphorical skward. Imagine a ceiling that symbolizes the apex of technological development.
Soon, we'll all be super android Transforminators. Or just robot slaves. We shall see.
REDEFINE POSSIBLE: CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO WITHOUT LEGS
03/01/2013
Spencer West is a motivational speaker with MeToWe and Free The Children. He was born with a genetic disorder that made it impossible for him to use his legs. Eventually, they amputated everything below the pelvis to allow him mobility. He was told by doctors that he would not lead a full life, that he would not be a functioning member of society. With the support from his family, Spencer refused to believe what they said.
Spencer did everything he could to be a normal person. He joined his high school's cheerleading squad and they won their State Championship! As an adult, he had a successful job like every other person but this wasn't enough for Spencer.
A couple years ago, Spencer went on a relief trip to Kenya, where he helped build a school house for the children. This was a life-changing experience for him. It set him on the path to becoming the person he is today. The most pivotal moment in this trip was when a little girl came up to him, pointing below his chest, and said I didn't know that things like that happened to white people too.
This was what opened his eyes to the fact that his story could help other people. He joined Free The Children as a motivational speaker. One day, Craig Kielburger, the founder of Free The Children, asked him if he'd ever thought about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Spencer said [laughing] No Craig, I haven't thought about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
These words sparked the idea for his climb. However, he didn't just want to climb the mountain for kicks. He wanted it to be a campaign, a fundraiser to help people. And he wanted his two best friends to come with him. That was the birth of his Redefine Possible campaign. His goal was to raise half a million dollars for clean water projects in Kenya, as Kenya was going through a terrible drought at the time.
After intense training and preparations, Spencer and his friends began the ascent. Even with all of their preparations, there were still some bumps along the way. Spencer climbed 80% of the mountain on his hands and 20% in his chair, instead of the planned 50/50. On summit day, both of his friends were hit with massive altitude sickness. Spencer got down off of the back of their guide. Together, he helped them make it to the summit.
Spencer continues to be involved with MeToWe and Free The Children and is now traveling North America telling his story. He is also promoting Free The Children's yearlong campaign on sustainable clean water for Africa. The fundraiser for this campaign is to buy handmade blue beaded bracelets (Water Rafiki Friend Chains) from Africa for ten dollars; with 100% of the profits going straight to the Free The Children campaign.
Spencer West is an inspiration for all of us to get out there and redefine our own possible.
To get involved with the clean water campaign or to buy a Water Rafiki Friend Chain, visit www.metowe.com/waterrafiki
MEETING MINUTES: January 7, 2014
01/07/2014
SPARTAN YOUTH RADIO MEETING
Tuesday, January 7, 2013
1) EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, PRIZES AND KUDOS
Rory Cuthbert 39
Aubrey Fowler 29
Ryan Richer 28
Jimmy Stata 20
Brad Bourcier 17
2) UPDATES TO THE WEBSITE
The new front page design was shown.
The Borealis Film Festival page was shared.
3) CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Post links to TWO Spartan Youth Radio shows/articles/photos to your Facebook wall or Twitter feed
OR
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/spartanradio
OR
Subscribe to us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/spartanyouthradio
OR
Like our page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/spartanyouthradio
OR
Take a Wild Book Release Book, release it and report back to: www.spartanyouthradio.com/found-a-book.html
4) NEW JOBS
Foodie Cooking show with Pete Rodley
Ryan, Julia, Karina and Aubrey
Review and Interview: author Eric Guindon
Trent and Aubrey will review the Prophecies Triptych
Karina and Julia will review the Wizard's Apprentice
5) REVIEW OF WORKS IN PROGRESS
See the board
6) OTHER BUSINESS
Fandom Documentary
Julia will set up an interview schedule.
Julia will look for Con footage from YouTube and seek permission from the owners.
BoREALIS FILM FESTIVAL
HAS CHANGED DATES: May 30th and 31st
The Borealis Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent films hosted by Spartan Youth Radio and Espanola High School. The event is open to the public
The film submissions window is now open!
Stay tuned for ticket details.
DATES
NEW DATE
FRIDAY, MAY 30th and SATURDAY, May 31st
SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE:
MARCH 24th, 2014
WHERE
147 Spruce Street
Espanola, Ontario
Weather permitting, this may be an outdoor event held under a sky coloured by stars and the Northern Lights. We're romantic that way.
SUBMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Films may include shorts, features, animations, narrative films, music videos, documentaries and arts films.
- Each entered film must be submitted on its own medium (Bluray, DVD, USB, etc.) and accompanied by its own completed Entry Form; please do not send a compilation media composed of works for separate entries.
- As the audience will consist mostly of high school students, some submitted films will not be permitted due to school board policies regarding content. If unsure, please contact Festival director Jayson Stewart at (705) 869-1590 ext 6264 or by email at spartanyouthradio@gmail.com
- Films previously shown at the Borealis Film Festival are NOT eligible.
- Films can be submitted online via a YouTube, Vimeo or similar link.
- Films can be submitted by USB memory key, Bluray or DVD by mailing to the address below.
- Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.
- Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print, online and at live Festival events.
- All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. Non-English entries submitted without subtitles are not eligible.
- Works in Progress: While entrants are permitted to submit films that are not fully complete (i.e., without final color correction and sound mixing), please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted; subsequent cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee.
- Please submit a typed or clearly printed entry form or a copy of the online form receipt along with the submission. The Borealis Film Festival is not responsible for incorrect wording in publications or on awards if the entry form is incorrect or illegible.
- Entrants grant The Borealis Film Festival publicity materials and a video trailer (if available). Publicity and press materials will not be returned.
- Entries will be required to supply a minimum of two high resolution stills from the film and at least one high resolution photograph of the film's director.
- This is a low-budget, low-tech Festival and projection is limited to an education-quality overhead LCD projector and surround sound system.
- There are no entry fees though donations to Spartan Youth Radio will always be accepted. .
- Filmmakers are invited to submit swag (tshirts, stickers, posters, etc.) for a silent auction to raise funds for Spartan Youth Radio's programs at Espanola High School.
B) Deadlines
Entries must be submitted online by March 24th, 2014. Entries received after this date may or may not be considered for juried awards and/or screening at the Borealis Film Festival.
C) Contact
DVDs, BluRay Discs, Flash Drives or Portable Drives, plus all promotional material and swag, can be delivered to:
SYR at Espanola High School
147 Spruce Street
Espanola, Ontario
P5E 1R7
JUDGING AND PRIZES
|
C) Judging Selection
All competitive film categories are judged before the Festival. All entrants will be notified prior to the Festival and will be invited to attend. Films accepted to the Borealis Film Festival are automatically considered for nomination in all Award categories for which they are eligible. Nominations are made on the basis of achievement in form and content in their category. The awards are as follows: Outstanding Overall Film To recognize a director in his or her overall achievement of artistic vision in a film. Outstanding Fiction Film (any genre/any format) To recognize a director in his or her overall achievement of artistic vision in a fiction film. Outstanding Non-Fiction Film (any genre/any format) To recognize a director in his or her overall achievement of artistic vision in a non-fiction film. Outstanding Performance To recognize a deserving performance of an actor in a lead role. Outstanding Supporting Performance To recognize a deserving actor in a supporting role. Outstanding Editing To recognize the primary editor for achievement in piecing the film together as an aesthetic coherent whole via cutting, sound and visual effects Outstanding Youth To recognize a young director, 19 years and under, in his or her overall achievement of artistic vision. Best World Changing Film To recognize a film which best attempts to address world issues. All prizes and awards are final. |
More Background On SpartanYouthRadio.com
Spartan Youth Radio distinguished itself as Canada’s oldest, most innovative high school podcast and multimedia station, operating from Espanola High School in northern Ontario. For over seven years until its closure in 2014, it provided teens with creative power and a public platform, giving them skills and confidence that transformed both their community and the lives of many alumni. This article explores the origins, programming, achievements, impact, and ongoing legacy of Spartan Youth Radio.
Origins and Historical Context
Founded in Espanola, Ontario, Spartan Youth Radio began as a modest school podcasting effort and rapidly expanded into a large-scale, multi-format content initiative. Over years of growth, the station’s studios—tucked inside a typical northern Canadian high school—became a launch pad for podcasts, interviews, creative writing, music reviews, short films, and community news. Spartan Youth Radio was created to bridge the gap for youth in rural northern Ontario, offering them unique access to technical know-how, mentorship, and national-level attention at a time when such opportunities were rare outside major cities.
The idea behind this youth-driven media project was to empower local teens and give them ownership of their stories, whether through entertainment, information, or advocacy. This commitment made the project distinctive in both the local and national media landscapes.
Ownership, Organization, and Team
Spartan Youth Radio was owned and operated by Espanola High School’s media club. The station’s daily affairs were managed by teams of students, with guidance from passionate faculty advisors. Among them, producer Jayson Stewart became legendary not just for his audio and technical contributions but for mentoring and inspiring young broadcasters to find their voices.
The division of roles was professional, yet collaborative: students served as show hosts, producers, technicians, journalists, and editors. Faculty support ensured the environment was safe and guidelines were followed, while students enjoyed autonomy and were encouraged to innovate.
Location and Community Context
Espanola, Ontario, is a close-knit, working-class town with deep roots in the forestry and paper mill industries. Spartan Youth Radio physically operated from 147 Spruce Street, the campus of Espanola High School. Despite the town’s remote location, the radio station’s reach was unconfined—it became a hub for talented youth from all backgrounds, giving them a megaphone for their community and culture while building connections far beyond northern Ontario.
The station’s success also increased the visibility of Espanola, establishing the community as a place where ambitious student media could thrive.
Content and Programming
Spartan Youth Radio’s programming menu was impressively diverse, reflecting the many talents and interests of its student contributors. The main content strands included:
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Talk Shows and News: Covering teen issues, local and global news, and community affairs with an authentic voice.
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High-Profile Interviews: Featuring musicians (Billy Talent, Survivorman), authors (Margaret Atwood), politicians (Jack Layton), Indigenous leaders (Shawn Atleo), Holocaust survivors, and local heroes.
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Creative Segments: Short films, podcasts, sketches, satire, and humor written and produced by students.
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Music and Media Reviews: Honest takes on books, albums, films, and pop culture.
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Event Coverage: Including reporting and live streaming of school plays, sports, public forums, and special occasions.
This blend of in-depth journalism and lighthearted entertainment allowed Spartan Youth Radio to play a key role in shaping how students engaged with the media and their education.
The Borealis Film Festival
One of the most distinguished contributions of Spartan Youth Radio was the annual Borealis Film Festival, hosted jointly with Espanola High School. This event brought together aspiring filmmakers, students, staff, and the larger public to celebrate independent short films, features, music videos, and documentaries.
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Festival Format: Open to public and students, accepting a range of genres including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental film.
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Review Process: Submissions from many areas, with an emphasis on student and youth-produced content.
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Awards: Films were eligible for awards, enhancing the reputation of young filmmakers and offering them a platform for recognition.
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Community Benefit: The festival fostered town-wide collaboration, with the event occasionally set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights—providing a magical, memorable atmosphere.
The Borealis Film Festival served both as an extension of the station’s artistic philosophy and as a showcase for emerging Canadian voices in film.
Achievements, Awards, and Recognition
Though small in scale compared to major urban media, Spartan Youth Radio was repeatedly recognized as a pioneering model for youth-focused content creation. It was well-known as the earliest high school podcasting and radio station in Canada, inspiring similar ventures elsewhere and setting high standards for technical and creative excellence.
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Media Coverage: Local press, educators, and regional radio repeatedly spotlighted the station for its originality and ambition.
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Alumni Success: Several notable alumni pursued higher education and careers in broadcasting, media, journalism, and entertainment, citing Spartan Youth Radio as a formative experience.
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Community Endorsement: The project received accolades from community leaders, educators, and parents for its role in nurturing skills and confidence among teens.
Reviews and Personal Testimonials
Alumni frequently credit their time at Spartan Youth Radio with helping them develop independence, technical ability, public speaking competence, and a strong sense of identity. Many say the experience provided direction regarding future studies and careers, while also giving them friendships and mentorship that lasted long after graduation.
The respect earned from participating in high-profile interviews, managing public events, and maintaining professional standards contributed to a deep sense of pride within the student body.
Format, Opportunities, and Inclusivity
Spartan Youth Radio prided itself on inclusivity. Anyone at the high school—from shy freshmen to extroverted seniors—could participate. This openness cultivated diversity in ideas and content, ensuring that programming reflected the real lives and voices of the students.
The collaborative format also meant that students developed skills in teamwork, project management, critical thinking, and communication. Those interested in technical careers learned audio editing, IT management, and live event logistics; creative students honed skills in journalism, creative writing, acting, and public relations.
Press and Media Coverage
Regional media repeatedly highlighted Spartan Youth Radio as a front-runner among Canadian high school programs. The station’s presence in the media helped shape perceptions of Espanola as progressive, creative, and community-oriented, fostering measurable pride in both the school and the broader area.
The diverse guest list, commitment to quality, and student-driven energy regularly earned kudos from outside observers as an example of what dedicated youth, given the right support, can accomplish.
Cultural and Social Significance
Spartan Youth Radio bridged the gap for teenagers living in a remote pulp and paper town, showing that geography need not limit creativity or ambition. The project sparked greater civic participation, increased awareness of social and political issues, and provided an approachable model for media engagement at the grassroots level.
It also stood as a vital example for other high schools in Canada, demonstrating the profound impact that youth-driven media can have—and how such initiatives build social capital, dignity, and resilience.
The End and Ongoing Legacy
The station closed its doors in 2014, shortly after its seventh anniversary, but the lessons it established resonated far beyond its operational years. Many of its alumni remain deeply attached to their time as young broadcasters, carrying the skills and self-assurance gained into adulthood.
Spartan Youth Radio’s closure led to the launch of successor initiatives at Espanola High School, ensuring that the core spirit of youth empowerment through media continued to flourish.
Community, Audience, and Geographic Impact
Spartan Youth Radio’s reach extended not only through Espanola but far beyond its borders. At its peak, some programs attracted thousands of listeners from across Canada and even internationally. The platform appealed to teens, educators, parents, artists, and civic leaders, whose ongoing engagement and support reinforced the station’s openness and relevance.
The station became a rallying point for community projects, collaborations, and causes—uniting people around creative production, dialogue, and inquiry.
Known For
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Groundbreaking Youth Programming: Setting the national standard for high school-run media in Canada.
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Deep Community Ties: Fostering support and collaboration among students, families, and local leaders.
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High-Profile Interviews and Guests: Attracting national and international attention through conversations with leading artists, writers, and officials.
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Borealis Film Festival: Offering a vital public forum for student and independent filmmakers.
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Alumni Accomplishments: Launching dozens of students into media, creative, and technical careers.
Examples and Specifics
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Personal Growth: Students described overcoming shyness and gaining leadership skills.
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Technical Mastery: Alumni noted learning audio mixing, editing, broadcast planning, and live event coordination.
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Powerful Storytelling: Programming covered sensitive topics including mental health, Indigenous rights, and cultural heritage, alongside lighter fare like music reviews and TV commentary.
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Collaborative Production: Teams tackled everything from scripting and interviewing to running fundraising auctions at the Borealis Film Festival.
Insights and Lessons Learned
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Media Matters: Early exposure to media production teaches critical thinking, public speaking, and digital literacy.
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Mentorship is Crucial: Teachers like Jayson Stewart made a profound difference by modeling professionalism and creativity.
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Community Investment Pays Off: Accessible creative opportunities retain talent and strengthen social bonds in rural towns.
Spartan Youth Radio’s story is one of ambition, inclusivity, and local pride. From a modest high school podcast in Espanola, it grew into a nationally recognized force for youth empowerment and media literacy, proving that meaningful change and excitement can start in even the most unexpected places. The station’s memory continues to inspire, and its spirit lives on in the alumni, teachers, and creative undertakings it launched.