PRINCIPAL AWARD
A Coquitlam school principal was one of 13 British Columbians honoured last week for their commitment and dedication to veterans. John Goheen, principal of Coquitlam's Alderson elementary, and 12 others received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation at a ceremony with Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney in Vancouver last week. Goheen, a Port Coquitlam resident, is renowned as a strong advocate for military history and remembrance, ensuring students learn about the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans.
TEA TIME
Cathy Zhang, Rebecca Lee, Jaimie Jeon and Rachel Leung organized a high tea for seniors at Heritage Woods secondary this month. The Seniors Christmas Tea is an annual tradition held at the Port Moody school, with a growing number of attendees annually. This year, more than 120 guests came to share the Christmas cheer and to enjoy an afternoon filled with handmade goodies, student sing-a-longs and a surprise Santa appearance.
GIFT GAL
For the second year in a row, a Port Coquitlam girl has asked friends and family to donate to Share rather than give her birthday gifts. Olivia Sykes, a Grade 2 French immersion student at Irvine elementary, marked her seventh year by passing on $200 to Ruth Jarvie of the Share food bank; last year, Sykes raised $240 for the charitable cause. "We are so proud of her and hope that she keeps up the tradition," wrote her mother, Julia, in an email to The Tri-City News.
11 HAMPERS
The Maillardville Residents' Association and staff at the Place Maillardville community centre in Coquitlam joined forces this month to load up 15 Christmas hampers for community families in need. Spokesperson Al Boire said the association collected food and donations at its annual holiday party while the centre also brought in food and provided administrative support; the Real Canadian Superstore and Community Integration Services also helped with the campaign, he said."This has been a real demonstration of what a neighbourhood should be," MRA president Boire said in a news release. "Organizations, businesses and neighbours working together to help those among us who are in need. That really is a win/win situation."
GRADUATION
Port Coquitlam's Stand Firm on Higher Ground celebrated this month with its second graduation class. The outreach program that offers life skills has received a lot of support this year including gift certificates and laptops from Kevin's Used Computers. To donate, call 604-807-1465.
FA LA LA
Port Moody residents on Bentley and Alderside roads heard the sounds of Christmas carolers this month and gave generously. The Pleasantside Carolers dropped notes in mailboxes two days before they sang and were surprised to collect on the event night 321 pounds of bagged groceries waiting at the doorsteps as well as $140 in cash for the food bank. The donations were dropped off by Grade 12 students in Gleneagle secondary to Karen Dubois of Share.
Please send Spotlight press releases and photos to [email protected].
