Mrs. Keen's Class

We piloted the latest edition of our Hidden Heroes WebQuest, a direct descendent of this column, in seven classrooms last spring including Mrs. Noreen Keen's class. One of her assignments was to have her students read at least two of our columns and comment on things they have in common with the people who were featured.

Here are some of their comments:

I have been on your web site and it has shown me who the true heroes really are. I have learned that anyone can be a hero if they have it inside. In the story about Parnell Walsh and his wife Lindy the similarities I have is that if something bad happens, I don't just give up on life. I move on and that's what he did when his wife died. I think that was really tough to do. (Karla)

I read the story about Trevor Prince. Trevor acted fast to save an eleven-year-old boy from choking on a pretzel by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre. I also took the babysitting course and learned the Heimlich manoeuvre so one day I could be brave enough to save someone's life like he did. (Karolina)

I read the story of Dale Dawes and I think I am similar to him because when I go on the bus I am also kind to the children and if I was a bus driver, I would do the same as him. I also read about Ruth Vallis and I am similar to her because when I do things I try to make people happy. It makes my teacher happy to have my homework finished. (Colin)

One of the stories I have read is about the students at Mountain View School helping the Rotary Rural School Project in Zimbabwe. I have found some similarities between us that I thought were interesting. These students love giving to people and they wouldn't let anything stand in their way. I guess you could say that they love helping people as much as I love dancing and school. This shows that if you stick to something and work hard at it, anything is possible. So if I love something as much as them and they made a difference, then I can too. (Melisa)

I read the story about Peer Helpers at NDSS. Like them, I sort out all of my clothes and stuffed animals I no longer need and give them to the Salvation Army at Christmas. I think everyone should do that because there are tons of people that don't get Christmas presents because they are too expensive. (Sonja)

I liked your story on Darren Hauca. He is a sports fan and coaches a girl's hockey team (Go Canucks). He gives his time to teach children and I give my time to care for other small children. The other person I studied was Terry Mack. She keeps a good pace in running and gives her time to help aboriginals. I give time to do well in sports and help my brother with his ABC's. You have done a good job on finding your hero's. I really enjoy reading about them. (Anonymous)

This year we are planning to expand our WebQuest not only in Grade 5, 6, 7 classes in School District #68 but up and down the Island as well. Scouts Canada has also chosen to pilot our WebQuest on the Island this year. As part of a Citizenship Badge, senior scouts will support younger scouts or cubs as they go through the project. Other youth groups are also in the process of joining us including Big Brothers and Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and others.