On Thursday, September 15, 2022, Lakewood School grade 5 student Simon Monteith will find out if his pitch to expand his video series, Simon the Scientist, will be voted in by Pow Wow Pitch judges to proceed to the finals.
The competition is designed to promote Indigenous entrepreneurs across North America. Simon is one of only eight youth who have made it to the semi-finals in the youth category. He's also the youngest competitor by three years.
The semi-finals will be streamed live at 5 p.m., but can be viewed on-demand as well.
Simon's mother Jacqueline Monteith says her son has been gaining national attention for his efforts, including from a news article that reached several media outlets, a paleontology podcaster and a STEM charity. Simon the Scientist brings an Indigenous youth lens to STEM subjects.
“The news article went across the country. Scientists across the country have reached out to him," she says, identifying herself as a proud mom.
While Simon and Jacqueline don't know whether the judges will advance Simon to the finals in the youth category, he also has a shot at winning the People's Choice Prize, which would advance him to the finals as well. While numbers keep changing, Monteith says Simon is only a few hundred votes shy from the top of that list.
Simon and Principal Lisa White met with all of the grade 3, 4 and 5 students at Lakewood School earlier this week to talk about his initiative and kickstart classroom voting parties.
“Thank you for helping be a part of Simon the Scientist. I really appreciate it. I am working hard on my business plan," says Simon. “Also where do scientists eat their lunch? At the periodic table!"
Vote for Simon in the People's Choice category until September 19 (he is listed as #97).
The SJASD Board of Trustees took a moment at the last Board meeting on September 13 to recognize Simon on his outstanding accomplishments.
Congratulations Simon!