When the new Sarah Thompson School opened its doors three years ago, parents and members of the community were surprised to learn that new schools do not come with playgrounds in the plan. Despite the purpose of school being to learn and further a child’s education, what is a school without a playground? So, a group of parents, headed by Keri Graham, called the FoSTES (Friends of Sarah Thompson Elementary Society), banded together and made it their mission to get a playground built for the 350 students of the new Langdon school.
With a lofty goal and an even more impressive time frame they have themselves, the FoSTES group (consisting of Keri Graham, Kristi Mackie, Linda Isbister, Nadine Washburn, Charlotte Binns, Deanna Saaranoja, Tanya Creamer, Lindsey Gangon, Lisa Piercy and Tanya Didomencantio) began doing everything and anything they could come up with to get funds raised. Bottles drives, family dances, product selling and in the end, all their hard work paid off.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the school on December 5th, dignitaries such has Wildrose MLA Bruce McAllister, Rocky View School Trustee Bev LaPeare and Rocky View County Councillor Rolly Ashdown were in attendance to celebrate with excited students and staff. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in this case, it took a community to build a playground, “said Trustee Bev LaPeare.
MLA Bruce McAllister spoke to the crown of students, staff and members of the community, saying “this playground was built because of a community collaboration and everyone that chipped in. Great things happen when we focus on the positive”.
