Bursting with Pride

On Sunday I did another 5K (yes I walked it again) and this was for the Run for Rocky which helps support local high schools GSA's so we can provide a safe and inclusive school for all students. There is also support for the iCANdonate  campaign to bring awareness and support to encourage the Government of Canada to change its legislation on organ donor eligibility through advocacy, education and social media.

We had a lot of students (and staff) who signed up and attended Run for Rocky this weekend.  Our principal offered to pay for a bus to assist students in getting the run and back home (how awesome is she!) and we had about 23 on that bus.  Our school mascot (costume) was also going to make an appearance as long as the weather held out.  I am pleased to say that the weather did in fact hold out and it was hard to miss a giant yellow bulldog roaming the grounds followed by a bunch of students proudly sporting their black and gold wear.  Our group was hard to miss and seemed to be quite popular.  The students were loud, positive and represented our school and community in fantastic fashion.  We had students who once they finished the race were at the finish line cheering others on, congratulating everyone and well just being amazing. Our staff turnout was well represented also, 16 staff members not including their spouses/children.   That's almost half! As we jumped on the bus ready to head home one of the event staff as well as the Director for Windsor Pride came on our bus to express their gratitude to our students for their support and thank them.  The looks of pride on those kids faces were wonderful to see......being thanked for doing good and recognized.  

This run is near and dear to one of our staff member's heart as it is in honour of his wonderful nephew who was tragically lost due to suicide. The pride and emotion you could see on his face at the turnout from his school family will forever be etched in my heart.  

We can create change, it takes time and a lot of support but it can be done.  We can do good things, we can crush stereotypes, we can be supportive of those around us, we can all stand together as people and have each others backs.  You do not necessarily have to walk in another's shoes to stand up and say 'this is not an acceptable way to treat another human being.', we can have each other's backs and be allies.  It is also wonderful to show the world, even if it is our small corner that we have some amazing young people out there who are going to do great things. They need our support and backing to help them achieve the change they want in the world.

As I close out my post for today I just want to say Go Bulldogs!!  I am proud to have been a former student, a present staff member, a member of this community and a parent of a student who attends this school. 

Go Bulldogs!!

*Photo credited to Owen Wolter posted on WindsoriteDOTca