October 26, 2009

Olympic Torch Relay Celebration Assembly

KELOWNA, BC: World class skiers, a prodigy cellist, a gymnast, an equestrian rider, a Highland dancer, a ballerina, swimmers and hockey players are training and competing around the province and internationally while maintaining their academic performance at Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM).  Through OKM’s High Performance Program, students have the flexibility they need to achieve their best. 

As a result of this program facilitating personal development, OKM is just one of two B.C. schools selected as 2010 Olympic Team Torchbearers.  The official announcement will take place at a celebration assembly at OKM on Tuesday October 27 from 10:40 a.m. until noon. 

“The students in the High Performance Program are very excited to have been selected by RBC through the Canadian Olympic School Program,” says teacher Michael Ross.  “It is a great honour, especially since some of our HPP students aspire to one day participate at the Olympic level.”

“The program was designed by Sheila Graham and Pauline Wignall approximately 10 years ago and since then OKM has become very popular with high performing athletes and musicians.  We are able to offer these students flexible timetables, the opportunity to do course work online, time to catch up on homework, assistance coordinating schedules with multiple teachers, and a sense of camaraderie with like-minded students.”  To enter the program, students must have a strong academic record, letters of recommendation from a coach and two classroom teachers, and a letter explaining their personal commitment.   

The OKM Torchbearer Team includes teachers Michael Ross and Meghan Lee and 18 students:  Colin Burns, Kayla Johnston, Emerson Kirby, Mark Manton, Alexander Norman, Devin Spence, Aly Marson, Morgan Jmaiff, Cambria Little, Jaxon Jurome, Jesse Peacock, Kelly Atamanchuk, Jordan Krause, John Saunders, Anna Leitch, Chantel Bayliss, Sarah Mackay, and Mitchell Segal.

The entire school population as well as guests will assemble on Tuesday morning to share in the celebration and hear an inspiring talk by Olympian Deidra Dionne, a 10-year member of the Canadian Aerial (ski) Team and a 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist.

Approved by Scott McLean and Michael Ross on October 26, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Michael Ross, Teacher, Okanagan Mission Secondary, (250) 764-4185

Scott McLean, Principal, Okanagan Mission Secondary, (250) 764-4185

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.