Blueberry Creek Community School (BCCS) held a community celebration prior to their AGM last week to show their appreciation to those who have helped them throughout the process of trying to obtain the school site from School District 20.
"We wanted to thank everybody that was a part of getting us to where we are today. We know it has been a long road and a lot of effort and a lot of hands to get here," said outgoing BCCS board chair Arlene Gallo.
"We are really happy to be here tonight to celebrate us, the community of Blueberry Creek Community School," said BCCS community liaison Rebecca McDonnell. "You have worked and supported this society tirelessly through the process to retain this site. Congratulations, you succeeded. Your community spirit and united front sent a strong and vital message to the powers that be. It is important that they know that this community will continue to rally around this site and this organization."
Special thanks were given to BCCS original founder Bev George, Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff, the BCCS board and staff.
SD 20 trustees Roseann Brunton and Mickey Kinakin were also acknowledged. "You made a huge leap of faith in our society and understood when we shared our heart with you and shared our community with you," said McDonnell. "You trusted in us and invested in us and I hope that we will repay you for that by continuing to be part of this amazing community and contributing to Castlegar as a whole."
Trustee Brunton replied, "It did not require a leap of faith. This organization has shown day after day the wonderful programs it can offer and its sustainability."
Longtime SD20 trustee Mickey Kinakin reminded the audience that this is now one of the very few places in BC where a transfer of property from a school district has occurred. "What you have done is incredible; ensuring this is not just a financial resource, but is a community resource and it needs to be kept in that community," said Kinakin. "The people to thank is all of you (BCCS board and staff)."