One More Step: Options High School Honours Remembrance Day Through Resilience and Unity

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Montreal, November 13, 2026- This Remembrance Day, Options Alternative  High School in Ville Émard went beyond observing a moment of silence. Students and staff chose to take an active role in remembrance, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served through a demanding physical and mental challenge. The 1,000 Step-Up Challenge invited participants to experience discomfort, test their limits, and demonstrate perseverance as a meaningful tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

What unfolded was far more than a physical test. Several students and staff members completed all 1,000 steps, while many others pushed beyond what they initially believed possible. Throughout the day, encouragement, determination, and a powerful sense of community transformed individual struggles into shared victories.

One particularly inspiring achievement came from student Marley Angutiqjuaq, who completed all 1,000 step-ups while carrying 45 pounds on his back.

“When you’re doing something positive and meaningful, it helps you forget about the difficulties you’re facing outside of school,” Marley reflected.

The challenge’s organizer, teacher Jason Gannon, emphasized the importance of discovering what lies beyond our perceived limitations:“So many of our students began the day believing that 1,000 steps were impossible. Some reached that number, while others went further than they ever imagined they could. The real victory wasn’t a number. It was discovering that when things become difficult, you can choose to take one more step. That’s a lesson that extends far beyond this challenge.”

Head teacher Seraiah Winsborrow reflected on the collective achievement: “True strength goes beyond physical endurance. It is found in the determination to push through discomfort and in the encouragement we offer one another. Our students and staff demonstrated that perseverance, dedication, and teamwork can turn individual challenges into collective triumphs.”

For the Options High School community, each step was an act of remembrance, gratitude, and collective strength.

“I step up for those who have fallen.”

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