Wakaw school celebrated learning and excellence with their annual awards night for both academics and athletics on June 5.
Wakaw principal Darryl Dickson says they acknowledged 100 students for their hard work throughout the year.
Students make many strides throughout the year with plenty to celebrate. However, students have made great strides in literacy especially, says Dickson.
“When I first came in here, it was extremely rough and needed to change. We had 42 per cent of our kids not at grade level and we’ve cut that in half with only 20 per cent of our kids not being there. It’s not where we want to be but it’s a huge step.”
From grade one to eight, Dickson says they have also seen an increase from 42 students to 102 students who are exceeding expectations. Academically, they have raised the bar, he says.
Athletically, students are also giving the school reasons to celebrate with Senior Girls volleyball bringing home provincial gold and two provincial track and field gold medals from the same student.
Dickson says they are looking into new programs to run in the community, including a football program from grades five to 12.
Olympic mens hockey player Linden Vey was also inducted into his alma mater’s hall of fame with Vey in Wakaw for Vey Day earlier in the evening.
Growing up and being a graduate of Wakaw School, it was a special day for Vey to come back to his small town.
“I still keep in touch with a lot of people from around here and anytime you get something like that, it’s hard to describe. You never look for things like that but anytime you get an honour like that it’s very special.”
Inducting Vey into the hall of fame made the night that much more special, says Dickson. At the same time, he says they have many more deserving nominees who will cross the stage in the coming years.
