We Saved KSS

It's that time of the year where my heart flutters with pride for the students about to start their high school journey and those that are about to attend their commencement from Kwalikum Secondary School. It is at this time that I particularly remember a very small group of parents, community members and school staff that came together and worked very hard to prevent the only high school in Qualicum Beach from closing so that our children could be educated in their community. There were many obstacles that we overcame. So many parents that doubted our efforts and could not see past the current status of their children's education. Those that said it didn't matter to them, their kids were not attending KSS at the time. Those children are going to attend KSS and many are going to graduate from this high school. I'm glad we fought to keep KSS from closing their doors to future graduates. Many thanks in particular to the members of the self named group, Oceanside Communities for Quality Education (O.C.Q.E.) for their endless hours of constant meetings, public forums and research. We worked hard and it was worth it! Thanks to the many supporters including the Town of Qualicum, private businesses and community groups and to: Lynette Kershaw, Leona Matte, Cilla Lewenhaupt, Julie Austin, Phil Carson (R.I.P.), Tim Daniel, Mirella Trozzo, Ron Campbell, Glynis Milligan, Ross Mulligan (R.I.P.), Ruth Mandt (R.I.P.), Martin Stewart, Leona Matte, Barry Kurland and Kelly Wray. To the Grads...Congratulations from all of us!