The SCI student body has spoken.
It has selected Grade 10 student Jake Underhill and teacher Holly Polasek as Pan Am Games torchbearers when the relay comes through Stayner on June 11.
“We are very excited to have Stayner Collegiate so well represented,” said SCI principal Janice Ellerby. “It was a difficult selection, with so many of our staff and students representing the core characteristics of the relay – community, celebration, participation and pride.”
Both Underhill and Polasek said they were surprised and honoured to be chosen, but at the same time they were a little scared.
“I was a little worried but super excited and happy,” said Polasek.
They were wondering what distance they would have to run with the torch but it turns out its only 200 metres.
“I was wondering if I should start training,” said Underhill laughing.
He already participates in almost every sport in and outside of school, including hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton and golf.
Vice principal Debbie Prairie said Underhill is a good school representative as he is an all around student, academically and athletically.
Polasek admits she is one of the most competitive teachers at the school and gets involved whether in sports or spirit days.
An SCI graduate, she is head of the math department and runs a school math contest in addition to coaching senior girls’ and boys’ volleyball, senior tennis and girls’ softball.
Stayner Collegiate Institute will be one of the stops on the torch relay June 11.
The day’s activities are still in the planning stages.