SD73 Recognizes Secondary Coaches at the First District Appreciation Event

Posted On Friday June 23, 2023
Secondary Coaches 01
Board Chair Heather Grieve

Walt Kirschner, Chair, Secondary Athletics Council

Bill Hamblett, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education

On June 20, 2023 approximately 125 school and community coaches gathered at the McArthur Island Lounge to be recognized for making such a positive impact on secondary students within the District.

“Employees give generously of their time in fine arts, extracurricular activities, and sports, and I am so inspired by this event to recognize coaches,” shared Superintendent Rhonda Nixon.

In the District Strategic Plan, the Board of Education emphasizes the values of relationships/connections, wellbeing, sustainability, and equity. It was acknowledged by all who attended this event that a coach has a life-lasting impact on students- who they are, who they become, and what they are willing to try when faced with challenges. A coach is therefore foundational to a child’s and youth’s development as a person, their ability to connect, establish and sustain relationships, and to thrive personally.

For the 22/23 school year, SD73 had 328 coaches volunteering in the secondary division within the three seasons of play. There were 2,385 student-athletes participating in the 19 BCSS sanctioned sports offered in SD73. 

Board Chair Heather Grieve spoke and shared, “As a long time community coach, I have not only been fortunate enough to work alongside, I have also been mentored and supported by many of the secondary coaches in SD73. I have witnessed their commitment, passion, empathy, and guidance of these young students who grow as athletes and citizens because of the time and attention that these coaches give to our students. We are privileged to have them in our lives.”

Walt Kirschner, one author of this story, stated, “I am very proud to be a part of this special evening recognizing our coaches and teacher sponsors from all of our secondary schools in SD73. Our secondary schools are fortunate to have a dedicated group of coaches and teacher sponsors that help provide the most optimal sport experience for each of our student-athletes. This was the perfect opportunity to thank each and everyone of them for their dedication and commitment to highschool sports.”         

Bill Hamblett, second author, shared, “It is important to acknowledge the leadership of the Secondary Athletic Council in our District for sponsoring this event.”

Teachers in our District have served on BC School Sports (BCSS) in leadership roles. At this event, Annemarie Watts was recognized for receiving the 2023 BCSS Honour Award recognizing a lifetime of distinguished service to SD #73, the OVSAA, and BCSS- Board of Directors. In addition, Jody Vosper was recognized with the Citation of Excellence Award for his role as the Athletic Director at Sa-Hali Secondary combined with his many leadership contributions with sport commissions and the BCSS Legislative Assembly.  

This evening was the first of many that will hopefully be remembered by our secondary coaches because they had time to connect, to enjoy food and good company, and to hear speeches from multiple representatives of the SD73 about what they do and how they matter.

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