10 - Friday, January 18, 1991 - North Shore News New award honors WV teacher former THE WEST Vancouver District 45 School Board (WVSB) has established the Donald J. Fletcher Service Award to recognize the years of hard work volun- teered by former West Van- couver teacher Don Flet- cher. Fletcher, who retired in June 1989, has volunteered his tinie to help raise funds and coordinate the completion of the new West Vancouver Secondary School ar- tificial running track. The annual award will be pres- ented at the school’s commence- ment ceremonies. Fletcher was honored by school staff on Dec. 14 The award will be presented annually to the student or students who unselfishly contribute service to their school in the form of vol- unteer work, leadership and organization for the betterment of programs and functions for their fellow students. The winner will be selected by an awards/scholarship committee during the recipient's graduation year. The winner wil! be awarded a plaque and a cash award to be used at the discretion cf the reci- Pient. Fletcher has had a long career of teaching, administration and coaching in West Vancouver. His career started at Hollyburn Elementary School. He then serv- ed as vice-principal of both Ridgeview and Westcot elementary schools, and in 1967 he became the first principal of Chartwell Elementary School. After sessions as principal of West Bay and Caulfeild elemen- tary schools, Fletcher was ap- pointed principal of Hillside Sec- ondary School. His last few years were spent as district principal in the school board office. “*For all those students, parents and colleagues who worked with Don Fletcher, the characteristics that dominated were his friendy and caring nature, his organiza- tional ability and his work ethic,”’ said West Vancouver Secondary School principal Arnie Smith. While in the board office, Flet- cher accepted the task of in- vestigating the feasibility of build- ing an artificial track in West “LOVE YOU FOREVER TOUR” IN PERSON Canada's Best Loved Children’s Story Teller IN CONCERT TUESDAY, FES. 19 SHOWS: 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. NORTH VANCOUVER CENTENNIAL THEATRE Reserved Seats $9.00 plus sic tke kk eewet SATURDAY, FEB. 23 SHOWS: 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. MASSEY THEATRE New Westminster Reserve seats: $8.50 plus SIC Tickets for both shows on sale, at all Ticketmaster iccations or CHARGE BY PHONE 280-4444 A WEST VANCOUVER SCHOOL BGARD Vancouver. With no budget and little of- ficial authority, Fletcher formed an ad hoc committee of volunteers who met regularly, and, after many setbacks, it seemed the 35- year old dream might come true. The school board financed an architectual study and a budget of about $300,000 was provided for an artificial training track. “When Don retired in June 1989, the track concept could have and possibly would have died,’’ said Smith. ‘“‘Don Fletcher con- tinued to work as a volunteer and then went about trying to raise the money, a lengthy and frustrating incredibly, unbelievably low. As lows as 70% off! On selected merchandise throughout Park Royal. During our year end Clearance Sale, Wednesday, January 16, to Sunday, January 20 only. process."’ After many meetings and negotiations, the school board committed $100,000 over two years while West Vancouver District contributed $50,000. A $90,000 GO BC grant was award- ed for the project. The balance was raised by Fletcher and _ his committee. With the exception of the paint- ing of the lane lines, the track is completed. “West Vancouver can be proud of the fine artificial track at West Vancouver Secondary School, which can be used by schools, clubs and the community,’’ said Smith. ‘‘Don Fletcher’s committee is still slightly short of raising all the funds and any contributions can be sent via the West Van- couver School Board.”’ e A Day School for Girls e K-Grade 12 ¢ College Preparatory York House Scuoor ¢ Bilingual Programmes ¢ Scholarships e Extra Curricular Programmes * Testing and interviews will be held between January and April. For application or information you are invited to contact: YorK HousE SCHOOL 1500 West King Edward Avenue, Vanco:.ver, B.C. V6J 2V6 Tel: (604) 736-6551 Fax: (604) 736-6530 * The waiting list for kindergarten is closed. Park hoyal SHOPPING CENTRE Somuch. Soclose.