To the Expositor:
One of the perks of being a school board trustee is attending the various celebrations, graduations, and to be able to see first hand the team efforts in learning unfold.
I attended one such “team” event at Manitoulin Secondary School recently. Ministry representatives, qualified students and area merchants, under the careful guidance and watchful eye of Ms. Sue Lanktree-VanHorn, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP) coordinator, brought success to life.
Participating students will come out of the other end of their studies, work and mentoring with Manitoulin business owners as licenced trade workers. There are over 157 trades eligible for our students to choose from, to travel that trail to a fruitful career from hair dressing to carpentry.
The key ingredient in the formula to see this program end in success for all is the unselfish dedicated participation of area business operators. Without their investment of time, money and a willingness to mentor our kids, it would not happen.
The bottom line question is, who are the big winners? It is our kids, thanks to the businesses on the Island who work with Ms. Lanktree-VanHorn and engage this program. You ask how important is area commerce/business to our educational system? It has everything to do with its success. When and wherever possible shop local, not for your sake, but for the sake of our kids.
Larry Killens, trustee
Rainbow District School Board
South Baymouth
