Two McGregor students will have artwork displayed at Queen’s Park

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The artistic talents of two Grade 12 John McGregor secondary school students will be on display at Queen’s Park in the coming year.

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Emily Poole and Makenna Mifflin have both been selected to showcase their artwork in the prestigious Youth in P-art-liament program for 2026, a provincewide initiative that highlights the creative talents of Ontario’s youth at the Legislative Assembly, said a Lambton Kent District school board media release.

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Poole’s work, titled The Room That Listens, and Mifflin’s painting, titled Togetherness Blooms, were chosen from submissions across Ontario, “marking a rare and remarkable double success for the school,” said school board officials.

Having their artwork displayed throughout the year places the Chatham high school “firmly on the map as a school where creativity thrives,” said board officials.

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Poole learned of the honour from an email she received while in art class, she said in the release.

“I read it and said, ‘Oh my gosh!’ Then I showed (my art teacher) Mrs. (Jenn) McQuade and she got really excited and hugged me,” she said.

Her teacher “told the class and they clapped and were all so excited for me,” Poole said.

“This accomplishment has been really validating for me as a young artist,” she said.

Poole credits the school’s supportive environment and dedicated teachers for helping her thrive.

“There have definitely been teachers that have helped and pushed me: Mrs. McQuade, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Mulder,” she said.

“They’ve not only pushed me academically, but in my personal life.

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“I want to give a special shout-out to Mrs. McQuade for relighting my creative side and always pushing me to be a better artist,” Poole said.

Mifflin shared, in the release, similar gratitude for encouragement she’s received at McGregor, noting McQuade “encouraged us to submit our art pieces to the Youth in P-art-liament program, and I got accepted.

“I thank her for pushing us to get our work out there, because it’s always worth trying,” she said.

Both students have participated in the school’s vibrant arts culture, including initiatives like Art After Hours, the creation of community murals, and partnerships with local businesses and galleries, the release said.

Projects such as JMSS RetroFest, where students painted portraits of vintage cars for downtown displays, have given young artists the chance to be seen as professionals in the community, an experience Mifflin described as “incredibly validating and a huge motivator.”

Poole plans to pursue a career as an art therapist and Mifflin is focused on becoming a professional interior designer, blending creativity and functionality in residential and commercial spaces.

“These achievements show what’s possible when students are supported and inspired,” said McQuade, in the release. “Emily and Makenna represent everything we strive for in our arts program: creativity, resilience, and a willingness to engage with the community.”

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