Penson School is thrilled to announce that its new sports court is officially open! Students and staff have been eagerly watching the progress and are excited to use the new facility, which will provide students with a space to be active, play, and enjoy time together throughout the school year.
On Friday, September 18, students, staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to celebrate the sports court’s grand opening. Penson School principal, Mrs. Nicole Gillies, shared her excitement, and said she is extremely grateful to the project organizers Shauna and Leah, and to the broader community, for their dedication and generosity that made this project possible. “Our entire school community is looking forward to utilizing the court during recess and physical education classes for many years to come!”
Penson students eagerly test out the new sports court following the opening ceremony.
Project organizers Leah Diachuk and Shauna Head thank the many sponsors, including Platinum sponsors: the Municipal District of Greenview #16, Ovintiv, Grovedale Fire Department, Grovedale Community Club and Ag. Society, Grovedale South Wapiti Recreation Board, White Cap, and TC Energy for their generous support.
Diachuk says in only a few short months, businesses, families, community organizations, and individuals stepped forward to help make the sports court come to life. “Some donated financially, some donated services, and many simply shared our project and encouraged us along the way.” She says the multi-use court is an example of what can happen when a small community decides to work together. When asked what the motivation was behind the project, Diachuk said, “I’m a doer by nature, and when I see something that could make our community better, I want to help make it happen.” She adds that this project also has a special meaning to her. “My great-grandfather, Jack Penson, was secretary of the school board and was instrumental in helping bring Penson School to life, a school that carries his name. Now, generations later, my own kids attend Penson School, and being able to contribute to it feels like a pretty special way to continue what he helped start.”
Head also has personal ties to Penson School and says she is honoured to be part of this next chapter. “Growing up in this community, I remember my dad being very instrumental in building our first covered arena, so for me, when this project came into my radar over a year ago, I felt I needed to give back.” She adds that helping build a space that she felt the community desperately needed and could be utilized by the entire community was her own way of following in her father’s footsteps. “To everyone who helped turn this idea into something real – thank you.”
Students, staff, Diachuk and Head all extend a big thank you to the 50+ sponsors, including the Penson School Parent Fundraising Society for all their hard work, dedication, and fundraising efforts to help make this project a reality.