Students of the Osoyoos Secondary School senior girls soccer team wanted a way to thank the Osoyoos community for its support during recent difficult months, so they decided to do a think you banner, signed by students and others. Last week they presented it to Osoyoos town council and it will be put on display at town hall. Students Natalia Ibanez (left) and Julianna Riznek (right) were organizers. From left are Ibanez; Brenda Dorosz, chair of Save Our Schools committee; Mayor Sue McKortoff; Coun. Jim King; Coun. Mike Campol; and Riznek. (Richard McGuire photo)
Students at Osoyoos Secondary School (OSS) have been so touched by the support from the community for trying to keep their school open that some of them looked for a way to say thank you.
Last Thursday, two members of the school’s senior girls soccer team – Natalia Ibanez and Julianna Riznek – presented a big banner saying “Thank you Osoyoos” to members of council in front of the school.
It was covered with signatures and messages from students and others.
Mayor Sue McKortoff proudly displayed the banner in council chambers during Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting and regular meeting of council.
The banner will be hung at the Sonora Community Centre, said McKortoff.
“We just think what a lovely thing for the students to do,” said McKortoff. “We’re just blown away that they would think so much of everybody.”
Both McKortoff and Coun. Mike Campol agreed that the last three months have united the community.
“The fact that the school is closing is not going to define who we are and what we will do,” said McKortoff. “We are strong and will carry on.”
Ibanez said some students came up with the idea as they thought about how they could help.
“I’m sure there are lots of students here who feel kind of helpless,” she said. “We just thought we’d like to say thank you.”
The banner was posted in the school concourse for people to sign, she said. The students began collecting signatures about three weeks earlier.
Riznek wants the community to be aware of her soccer team’s last home game taking place this Wednesday, May 4 at 4 p.m. – ironically against Oliver, where Osoyoos students will be bused next year.
“I think it would be amazing if we could get the town out to come support the girls to help finish off the league,” she said.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
NDP Education Critic Rob Fleming (second from right) and Mayor Sue McKortoff (right) congratulate Osoyoos Secondary School students Julianna Riznek and Natalia Ibanez for taking the intitiative to create a “Thank You” banner for the Osoyoos community. (Richard McGuire photo)
