Feature Article October 24, 2001
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NAEC Track and Soccer field openedby Will CybulskiDespite threatening skies, October 11 was an exciting day at North Addington Education Centre. The occasion was the grand opening of the schools newest facility - its running track and soccer field.
Well over 300 hotdogs were served, with the barbeque finishing up just as the Torch Runners Team made its way back to Cloyne under OPP escort from Kaladar. From the school, the student Parade of Banners, the platform party of staff and guests, and the Runners all formed a procession to the new field, led by bagpiper David Wilkins.
Current and former representatives from the Limestone Board of Education, NAEC teaching and administrative staff, school council, running track committee members, trustees, students, politicians, and supportive members from our communities were all on hand. It was impossible to count the number of people attending the ceremonies, but it was easy to understand, from taking in the crowd within the tracks inner field, why NAEC represents one of our largest individual local communities on any given day.
Principal Brenda Martin welcomed the crowd and introduced the platform. This was followed by a series of presentations, including guest speaker Sara Purdy. Sara, a former graduate of Bayridge Secondary School, has won provincial and national medals for her achievements in track and field events, particularly the high jump. Seeing the new track reminded Sara of the community track where she practised both night and day. Sara believes that the support of her family, teachers and coaches played an important part in her success. For the students in the audience, she encouraged them to dream about what they want to accomplish, then strive to beat their personal best, again and again. Saras address aimed to inspire NAEC students to be top athletes in the years to come.
Vice Principal Wayne Rice then joined with student millennium athletes Charity Garey and Stefan Palimaka in cutting the gold and green ribbon to officially mark the track opening.
Praise and appreciation were expressed to the groups and many individuals who worked tirelessly at making the field the reality it has become today. Particularly mentioned as leaders in the project were former Principal Rod Hughes, Dave Elliott as former Board Trustee, Glen Carson, Paul Dawson and Manny Brandao of Facility Services for the Board, Trustee Dave Cornwall from the Property and Operations Committee of the Board, NAECs School Council, Gary and Raj Grewal from Kaladar Shell, Sonja Alcock for the Athletic Banners, and Bruce and Carolyn Hasler for the aerial photos of the new facility. Serving as Track Committee members were Blake and Lorraine Garey, Caleb and Joel Hasler, Brenda Martin and Wayne Rice, Edna Lessard, Sheery Tebo, Mark Richards, and Sam Meggs.
Staff and students, all those who worked on the project, and our community in general should be justifiably proud of this enhancement brought to our school through teamwork.
