People – Spoke

VIDEO: Not just a game: The benefits of esports

Conestoga Esports Hub midway through the Provincial Valorant Tournament held on Sat. March 1, 2025. Photo by Emily McGirr Coaches from Ontario’s secondary schools competing in the provincial Valorant tournament last weekend are passionate about their students’ success. Since they arrived in students’ everyday lives, video games have been seen as a distraction from schoolwork, but these coaches and the esports industry itself are challenging those ideas. According to Statista, … Continued

How Aidan Ruston, aka AJ, built a music empire in Waterloo with ‘The Kitchen KW’

Aiden John Rustin, known to many as AJ, lost himself in the rhythm of his own making. Stretching his arms toward the amplifier, a gentle smile tugged at his lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the music’s power to speak what words could not. It was around 10 p.m at The Kitchen KW studio as the scene unfolded. “The location that we’re at, they don’t let us make noise until 5:30 … Continued

The leadership and perceptive knowledge of Scott Miller

Scott Miller in his WCDSB office, located on 51 Ardelt Ave, Kitchener. Photo by WRDSB. When Scott Miller decided he’d pursue a career in education, he did so believing it to be a good opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youths and students. Miller wanted to find ways for students to “encounter success and be successful with the belief that once you find success and once you’re … Continued

FEATURE: Earning her “sunset” by breathing life back into the community

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online (Pictured) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Conestoga College instructor Pam Hall stands beside a test patient in her classroom at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, Ont., on Nov. 14, 2024. Almost 40 years ago, a near family tragedy forever changed the trajectory of Pam Hall’s life. When Hall was in the ninth grade, her cousin was born prematurely at just 28 weeks old. The … Continued

Hate crimes surge 94 per cent in Waterloo Region, police say

Hate-motivated crimes in the Waterloo Region increased by 94 per cent last year, according to new data released by the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS). These crimes have significantly increased in the region over the past few years.

AUDIO: Still a long way to go for equality as Conestoga celebrates International Women’s Day

Conestoga College celebrated the special occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8 in its Kitchener Downtown campus. Michaela Angemeer, a queer Canadian poet passionate about sharing healing stories with people and inspiring them to embrace their emotions, joined the event as a guest speaker.

Crossing generations through the canvas with ‘The Proclamation’ exhibition at Kitchener City Hall

Featuring eye-catching artworks based on South Sudanese Shilluk peoples, the exhibit brings abstract designs and striking portraits to life. “I’ve gotten comments on the fact that this is sometimes a scary painting because of how real the eyes look as if there really is a soul behind them,” said artist Chudear Oyual. “It’s comforting knowing that in the creation of my art, my ancestors are with me.”

AUDIO: Conestoga College celebrates Indigenous cultures with its 14th annual Pow Wow

The institution hosts a significant cultural event yearly, celebrating Indigenous traditions with traditional dancers, music, and food. The audience is encouraged to join in on the dancing and food, which creates an opportunity for people of different cultures to come together and learn about each other.

AUDIO: How Conestoga students survive exam season

Exam season is fast approaching, and with that comes student burnout. Thanks to a busy work schedule and social media distractions, it can be harder than ever to focus on studying. Here’s how these Conestoga students keep their cool without failing their classes.

OPINION: Why traditional schooling outperforms homeschooling

Traditional schooling provides children with the opportunity to interact with their peers and develop social skills. This is important for their development and well-being.

REVIEW: Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign dropped the highly anticipated album ‘Vultures’

After multiple delays, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign released their 16-song collaboration album, “Vultures,’’ across all streaming platforms on Feb. 9, 2024.

OPINION: I was excited to be on dating apps, but desperate boys made me quit

Unsolicited nude photos are a problem that disproportionately affects women on dating apps. A survey from YouGov done in 2023 found that more than half of all millennial women had received an explicit image electronically.

OPINION: Women on social media are objectifying themselves under the illusion of sexual empowerment

In a hardcore feminist’s world, a man sexualizing a woman’s body is condemned. However, when a woman sexually objectifies herself, it somehow manifests itself in the form of sexual empowerment and sexual liberation. The fact is that objectification does the opposite of liberation for women.

Ink-stained wretches: Creating a culture that values journalism in Canada

Ink-stained wretches is a grassroots volunteer advocacy group founded by former Waterloo Region Record newsroom staff. Their mission is to promote a culture that values journalism across the country.

Category: People