The Seven Summits Centre for Learning celebrated the grand opening of its new space last Wednesday night.
Though the centre has been operating out of the Red Roof Church since September, last week was when the school invited delegates, parents, students and Rosslanders to celebrate its new home.
“In our old centre — it was a wonderful centre, we had the best landlords — but it was getting a little crowded and we needed to find a new space, and so St. Andrew’s United Church stepped up,” said Shelley Ackerman, president of Visions for Small Schools (VSS), the society that has run Seven Summits since 2013.
Sue McBride and Ann Quarterman, administrators for the centre, spent the summer coordinating efforts to refurbish the space in time for the school year.
“Over 1,000 volunteer hours went into this renovation,” said McBride.
MP Richard Cannings, MLA Katrine Conroy and Angus Graeme, president of Selkirk College, all sent their best wishes for the new space.
Andrew Zwicker, city councillor, attended the event and spoke on behalf of the City of Rossland.
“Congratulations to you guys. It’s an amazing inspirational story,” he said, referring to the school’s full history when VSS stepped up to replace the Cook Avenue School. “And I think you guys, and this event and this school really typifies what Rossland is all about.”
Carol De Rosa officially welcomed Seven Summits on behalf of the St. Andrew’s United Church.
“We welcome you students, teachers, staff and friends, parents of the community to St. Andrew’s. We really are delighted to share our premises with you and to have these facilities used in this valuable way,” she said.
An added bonus of the night was that Seven Summits graduate Bronwyn Moore received the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
As Moore was away at the University of British Columbia, Jeff Stewart, principal for Seven Summits, presented her with the award over FaceTime and Moore’s father, Tim Moore, accepted the medal in person.
Stewart also congratulated everyone involved in getting the new space ready in time for the school year and was pleased to see how the space had come together.
But to complete the renovation, Seven Summits used up “all of our savings” so the school is also inviting Rosslanders to come out and attend a fundraising event.
The school will host “A Night Out in Rossland” on Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Old Fire Hall from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
The evening includes appetizers from Cahoots Kitchen, live music by the Eric Brown Band, dancing and a silent auction.
Babysitting will also be offered for $10 per family across the street at the Red Roof Church.
Tickets are $30 per person and available at Out of the Cellar.
