Feb. 10, 2010
Seycove Secondary Strikes Gold

NORTH VANCOUVER – Students and teachers at Seycove Secondary have earned bragging rights by capturing the gold level win in B.C.’s Spirit School program announced Premier Gordon Campbell. Seycove proudly displayed the Spirit of 2010 by participating in over 30 activities.

“The energy and enthusiasm that students across this province have demonstrated as part of the Spirit School program demonstrates that B.C. youth are excited about the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and about being active and involved,” said Premier Campbell. “Congratulations to all of the schools that participated and to the staff and students at Seycove Secondary for their gold level win.”

As participants in the Adopt a Country program, Seycove students adopted a school in Enkhuizen, Netherlands and welcomed a World War II veteran to come to the school and speak about his battalion’s efforts in the liberation of Holland. As well, the school joined the B.C. Fruit and Vegetable program, started a garden to reflect the Olympic pillar of Sustainability, and tracked the torch on a large display in the school’s main hallway.

“You can feel the excitement in this school today waiting for the Olympic Flame to arrive in North Vancouver. Students at Seycove will be cheering it on as it goes through our community with the banner, the length of two city buses, which they created,” said North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite. “These students have embraced the excitement and opportunity of having the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in their own backyard and have created an unforgettable school year.”

The 2010 Spirit Schools Program encouraged B.C. schools to show B.C. and the world the interesting 2010 Winter Games-related educational activities that students are engaged in. To become a 2010 Spirit School, schools were asked to take the ActNow BC Healthy Living Pledge, which encourages healthy eating and physical activity, and to participate in 2010 Winter Games Education programs.

“This year teachers and students in B.C. have brought the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic School Year alive through projects, guest speakers, activities and classroom lessons,” said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “B.C. students have demonstrated the Olympic and Paralympic values of citizenship, sustainability, and culture; and this is a school year they will never forget.”

Designations include:

• Bronze level – participate in at least one program or activity.
• Silver level – participate in at least five programs or activities.
• Gold level – participate in at least 10 programs or activities.

Kelowna’s South Rutland Elementary is the bronze level winner and Prince George’s Westside Academy is the silver level winner. The gold, silver and bronze winning schools receive Act Now BC Athlete Ambassador visits, Vancouver 2010 mascot visits and other 2010 Winter Games-related prizes.

To view all of the 2010 Spirit School stories go to www.sharingthedream.gov.bc.ca.

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