The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is cancelling its annual awards night for the first time in 30 years.
Erin van Steen, the foundation’s executive director, said the ceremony will not go forward because teachers are not participating in extra-curricular activities as part of a provincewide collective action to resist Bill 22.
“The teachers play a huge role in this, a huge role behind the scenes in getting the kids there,” she said. “We’re still moving forward and kids will still get their money. The unfortunate piece of course is that these kids won’t be recognized. It’s a sad day when outside politics interferes with student achievement.”
The annual event held at the Port Theatre allows graduating students to meet and thank donors who provide awards, bursaries and scholarships each year through the foundation.
This year, 406 awards totalling more than $320,000 will be given out to students.
The awards will be either given to students at school graduation ceremonies or picked up at the foundation’s office at John Barsby Secondary School.
The foundation is also cancelling its Mini O banquet that it puts on for special needs students.
