He believes ...
in public education

The Leader begins a series of personal stories by notable British Columbians – like Rick Hansen (above, lighting the Olympic Torch) – on the personal experiences that led them to believe in the importance of public education.

If asked why public education is important, any one of us could recite the theory as easily as we would a poem or a mathematical theory we’d memorized in school. A well-instructed populace, literate and trained, is able to think critically – to make the practical, wise choices needed to maintain not only a productive economy, but a healthy democracy.

But, in public education perhaps more than any other arena, importance is measured less in theories than in individuals. The strength of BC’s public education system lies in its emphasis on each student’s potential; on the personal story rather than the blanket view. To find some of these personal perspectives, Education Leader sought out trustees and other notable British Columbians. Here’s the first in a series of Leader editions on the importance of public education. Rick Hansen, C.C., O.B.C, shares his story:

Public education was a great environment to learn, to develop life skills and to forge relationships and memories that have lasted a lifetime. It has made a big difference in my life by providing tremendous role models who have had a positive influence in my life. One of those people was my high school coach, Bob Redford.

After my injury, while I was adjusting to the new reality of living life with a spinal cord injury, Bob challenged me, “You’re a born athlete – the definition of an athlete is not whether or not you use your legs.” He inspired me to pursue athletics, and also to coach. I found real joy in training other athletes. Bob believed in me and urged me to pursue my dream of being a physical education teacher.

Never mind that there were no phys ed teachers with disabilities in Canada – why not pursue the dream? I applied to the University of British Columbia to study phys ed and my application was rejected. Bob encouraged me to approach the faculty at UBC and convince them that I was the right person to break precedent and be accepted in the program. I was able to convince the faculty to take a chance on me. The experiences I had in high school gave me an incredible sense of hope and optimism, and the support to know I could pursue my dreams.  

Having been the beneficiary of so much good will and assistance, it also made me want to give back myself. I realized that the barriers people with disabilities faced existed everywhere. I decided to focus my talents and passions to raise both awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, and money for spinal cord injury research on my Man In Motion World Tour.

With the help of an incredible team, tremendous advisors and supporters, I wheeled the circumference of the earth – 40,072 kilometers – and raised awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, and over $26 million to support the field of spinal cord injury. 

Now as a parent, as I watch my children grow and flourish in public education, and I spend time with schoolchildren across Canada, I feel very strongly that we must do everything we can to motivate and inspire young people to reach for their dreams and to believe that anything is possible.

Educators have the opportunity to be difference makers every day, sometimes they don’t even know when they’ve made that crucial difference, but believe me, it happens.  As we help guide young people on their life's journey, if we can share with them the knowledge that we all have a role to play, and that we are all capable of making a difference; that every person has something special to contribute, and to believe that with determination, courage and teamwork, great things can be accomplished - then, we have set the foundation for success.

This is the premise behind our Rick Hansen School Program; we have over 800 schools involved in helping young people expand their understanding of what is possible and encouraging and recognizing students who are making a difference in the lives of others. 

March 21, 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the day Rick and his team embarked on the Man In Motion World Tour.  We encourage you to learn more about Rick Hansen, and to get involved in the exciting Rick Hansen School Program.

Keep following the Leader as we present more testimonials from trustees and other notable British Columbians on why they believe in the importance of public education.

Trustees share stories
of why they, too, believe

GRRRL POWER: Read how public education helped Prince George Trustee Roxanne Ricard's daughter Carmen (above, with Bengal tiger) in Thailand.

Connie Denesiuk, President, BCSTA; Trustee, Okanagan-Skaha

Public school was a positive place for me, where I could meet with friends and have fun. Learning was second to my priority of socializing, but I did manage to do fine academically. Along the way, I was supported by caring and supportive teachers, right from Kindergarten (which was private in those days) through to graduation.

I still remember my Grade 3 teacher Miss Rolston’s stories about her adventures in the Congo, Mr. Sparks bringing history alive, and Mr. Baumbrough’s tough yet fascinating biology class.

I am most appreciative however, of the many leadership opportunities that were available throughout my school years. I was actively involved in the students’ council, yearbook, and other school-based committees. Between Grade 11 and 12, I was sent to the University of British Columbia for a student leadership conference – quite an opportunity back in 1975! I have no doubt that the leadership experiences in those years in our public schools have helped to equip me in the job I do today as President of BCSTA.

Roxanne Ricard, Trustee, Prince George

My daughter Carmen is doing missionary work in Thailand. Recently she told me, “I am so glad that you sent me to public school!” Some of the young people she’s working with went to a private school, and she says they just don’t have the coping mechanisms. Carmen had five years of leadership opportunities through BC Student Voice; she also attended a national leadership convention in Ottawa.

As a young person you struggle with decisions. You have to deal with friends making different value choices.  In the end, these experiences make you stronger in your own values and beliefs.

At one point I considered sending my children to private school. I looked at it long and hard. I decided to keep them in public school because of everything it had to offer. I got involved as the PAC chair in elementary and high school, eventually becoming DPAC chair. I was a policy “wonk” as opposed to a fundraiser.
  
A wonderful program offered in Prince George public high schools is Junior Initial Attack, a program offered in conjunction with the Ministry of Forests. You apply in your Grade 12 year. My children were lucky enough to get in. The Ministry works with you over the course of the year then chooses three or four students to work for them in the summer. Its exciting work: jumping out of helicopters to deal with forest fires, for example.

There are other programs, like band, that my children were able to access through public education, which enhanced their lives.