School District 23 hosted a celebration for the new Westside Storefront School this week to mark the program’s first graduate.

The program for Grade 10 to 12 students began this fall in West Kelowna and Rutland.

“Joelene Dilay is our first senior secondary graduate,” said Cheryl Thompson, an alternative education teacher.

“Due to personal and academic issues, Joelene was unable to meet the graduation requirements within the mandatory three-year time frame at Mount Boucherie Secondary.

“Over the summer, when I was recruiting for the new program, I was thrilled to run into Joelene and tell her that she could attend our school and work on an independent, self-paced curriculum towards graduation.

“Joelene could continue her night shift work at Zellers and come to class to complete her course work in as little as two hours per day. Her job even went toward the mandatory Work Experience 12 credit.”

Having this program available here in West Kelowna will open doors for many young people, added Thompson.

“Prior to this September, they would have had to enrol at the Central School in Kelowna.

“Sometimes, there is a great divide between Kelowna and the Westside—physically and financially for students without a vehicle and even psychologically. Our alternative schools are convenient and we provide one-on-one assistance.

“Students can also access the other services at our facility such as counselling and meals.”

Al Lalonde, principal of the school district’s central programs and services, oversees alternative education programs including the Westside Storefront School, which has operated out of the Westbank Community Hall for four years. “We would not have this facility without the Boys and Girls Club. Their partnership is valued and important in helping these kids,” Lalonde said.

Lalonde said the program even had a 60-year-old graduate a few years ago “It’s never too late. Anyone who hasn’t graduated yet or those wanting to upgrade their skills should contact one of our storefront schools or central programs and services.”

Teachers at the Westside Storefront School juggle a range of subjects, schedules and other challenges with about 70 students.

Jerry Holowchak teaches the Outreach program, Bruce Watts teaches the junior grades, and Thompson teaches the senior secondary level.

“This is the most exciting and rewarding job I’ve ever had,” said Thompson. “All of the students are motivated; they have chosen to come to this school so they can create a better future for themselves.”