A grand opening showcased the new gymnasium and automotive shop at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) on Oct. 28.
Sixteen local dignitaries, School District #27 (SD27) directors and staff attended the celebration. They included District of 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall and Cariboo Regional District Area H Director Margo Wagner, as well as SD27 superintendent Mark Thiessen, secretary treasurer Kevin Futcher, facilities/transportation manager Alex Telford, PSO principal Geoff Butcher, board chair Trustee Tanya Guenther and other trustees.
Butcher talked briefly about the "long journey of about 23 years" to get a new gym and shop for the school, and expressed his regrets that longtime former principal Vic Brett was unable to attend the momentous occasion.
"The kids were just marvelling at it today while they tried to [prepare the gym and shop] for you all. We're very pleased, and a lot of that goes to the board's decision to put money towards it – we are very grateful for that and to Alex [Telford]."
Thiessen welcomed everyone and acknowledged the significance of the occasion.
"I know many of you, especially those at the school, have looked forward to these expansions for many years. So all of us, who are involved on the political side of things, are pleased that during our tenure, we were able to help this to come to fruition."
Beverly Harris, constituency assistant to Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett attended to present a certificate of commemoration from the province, and made some enthusiastic remarks.
"[Barnett] is very proud of the group effort that came about here to enable this to happen.
"As a former graduate of PSO – and my son is too – it is really cool in there! It's a great change and I'm very happy to see it."
Longtime Zone 1 Trustee, and former board chair, Will Van Osch unveiled a wall plaque just outside the gym and shop entrances recognizing all those who had a key role in the project.
Then, everyone was then escorted on a tour to admire the new gym and auto shop, and gathered afterwards to enjoy some refreshments.