April 11th, 2022

DHHproud – Showcase is a contest designed for DHH youth to gain experience in public presentation, boost self-expression, gain self-assurance, and improve communication skills. The contest is open to DHH students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in British Columbia.

This year’s theme was ” What makes me proud to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing?” Nearly 80 students across the province entered the competition. First, we had the pleasure of hearing the opening remarks from Jen Mezei, the Chair of the Burnaby Board of Education, and then the contest commenced with ASL poetry, students in Grades 6 – 12. The second half of the event featured speeches, both ASL and Oral. The ASL Poetry K-5 and DE’VIA winners were determined prior to the live event.

 
 
Congratulations to the winners and all participants; we hope to see many of you next year again!
 
Some of the participants, organizers and judges joined us for a quick virtual photo shoot.
 
Click on the links to watch the full recording of DHHproud – Showcase, plus ASL Poetry K-5 and DE’VIA gallery. Enjoy!

 

Read below for rules for each category and this year’s prizes.

ASL Poetry Rules:

K-Grade 5 Grade 6 – 12
  • Less than 2 minutes to present
  • The poem must use three (3) to five (5) handshapes.
  • Two (2) MUST be the “1” and “B” handshape (with extended thumb)

 

  • Email Poetry recording by March 4, 2022
  • Judges will pre-judge before April 11 to determine winners.
  •  Winners will be announced on April 11, 2022.
  • Minimum 4 contestants
  • Prizes: Happy Kid gift cards ($35, $30 and $25)

 

  • Less than 3 min to present
  • The poem must include 3 (min) to 7 (max) handshapes.
  • Three (3) MUST be “2”, “B” (extended thumb) and “C” handshapes only

 

  • Live competition on April 11th, 2021
  • Minimum 4 contestants
  • Prizes: Fitbit smartwatch, Happy Teen gift cards ($50 and $25)

Samples of ASL Poetry from the Washington School for the Deaf
Simple ASL classifier poem with 1 handshape
High school Students doing various types of ASL literature

Spotlight rules – Grades 6 to 12

  • Open to all DHH students in either oral language or ASL
  • Presentation must relate to the theme
  • Presentation must be less than 4 mins long
  • Students will compete live on a virtual platform on April 11th, 2022
  • 10 spots are available, combined (ASL and Oral presentation)
  • Prizes: Fitbit smartwatch, Happy Teen gift cards ($50 and $25)

DE’VIA rules

  • Artwork must deal with some aspect of Deaf History, Deaf Culture, the Deaf Community, or ASL, related to the theme; or  some aspect of the Hard of Hearing identity, struggles, successes related to the theme
  • Must include a written or video (ASL or speech) recorded artist statement explaining the work (written by student or teacher)
  • Medium: any
  • 2D entries only
  • Artwork scanned/photographed and digital image emailed in to office@popdhh.ca
  • Top 3 winners will be announced on April 11, 2022.
  • Prizes: K-5 category – Happy Kid gift cards ($35, $30 and $25); 6 – 12 category: Fitbit smartwatch, Happy Teen gift cards ($50 and $25)

Examples of DE’VIA

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