VIP – Lieutenant Governor of BC Judith Guichon (right) greets Superintendent of Schools Bev Young and principal Marcus Toneatto of Southern Okanagan Secondary School during a special visit to Oliver last week.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Oliver high school students Aria Janow and Sam DesBrisay impressed the Lieutenant Governor of BC last week.
The Honourable Judith Guichon visited Oliver on February 13, and her first stop was Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
“What is your most prized possession?” she asked the student body.
Janow said “integrity.”
Guichon said that was the best answer she has ever heard from a student.
During question period, DesBrisay asked Guichon what she believed was the most important thing that a teenager needs to learn today.
The Lieutenant Governor thought that was a very good question and answered it by saying young people should learn about agriculture, stewardship and the democratic process.
“I urge you to become involved in your community . . . ask questions. Democracy is not an armchair sport.”
Guichon also encouraged the students to participate in local politics by finding out what Town council is doing.
She seemed a little surprised that the high school doesn’t have a students’ council, so she suggested the school establish one so that pupils can get involved in politics and understand what happens at the legislature.
One student asked how does one get the Lieutenant Governor’s job.
Guichon said you might get her job by attending a thousand meetings and serving on different task forces and planning committees. She noted that being involved in the community would help secure her job.
Another student asked why she got the job.
Guichon said she got a call “out of the blue.” She indicated her belief that the government was looking for a female since so many males have held the position in the past. Her background in agriculture (ranching) also helped, she said.
When Guichon first arrived at the school, she marvelled at it by saying “Wow!” She then asked how does one get back into school at her age.
“Is there a grandparents program?” she queried to laughter.
When talking about her role, Guichon said she is the second female to get the job.
What does she do?
She represents the Queen at various events, upholds the constitutional framework of BC, delivers the throne speech, gives royal assent in the legislature, presents special orders and medals, promotes history and culture.
Guichon said she had to study long and hard in order to give royal assent, which she demonstrated to the students simply by nodding her head.
“It’s a tough part of the job,” she joked.
She pointed out that part of her job is recognizing people who make life better for others.
Guichon stated the importance of respectful relationships, not only with each other, but with the land.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
