The Coast's principals and vice-principals recently recognized two committed men for their unprecedented and ongoing support of local schools. Every year the British Columbia Principals and Vice Principals Association hands out their Partnership Awards, which recognize people who have shown outstanding support to principals, teachers and students by sharing their time, expertise or resources. Brian Stapleton, owner of Marketplace IGA in Wilson Creek, and Bob Hoy, owner of Marketplace IGA in Gibsons, were honoured for their contributions last Friday at the Marriot Hotel in Vancouver.
Consistently donating food and providing discounts for special events, Hoy and Stapleton are an integral part of the community. The list of programs they support is extensive, including hot lunches, sports days, graduation, sports teams and reading nights. Both also contribute to the Computers in Schools program, which allows computer buyers to identify a school of choice and then have a percentage of their purchase go to that school's computer fund. "I've always supported my community. It's very important to me, especially the schools. It's something I just do and I was surprised to be getting an award for it," Stapleton said. He also added that he felt very honoured to be recognized by the principals.
Hoy, with equal humility, was also surprised to hear he was winning an award for doing what he believes is just the right thing to do. "My wife [Sue] and I have always believed in giving back to the places we live. We have kids and friends here and we just want to do everything we can to contribute to the community," Hoy said. Rob Paish, principal at Langdale Elementary and president of the Sunshine Coast Principals and Vice-Principals Association, said it was an easy decision this year. "When it comes to exceptional service to schools, these two men stand out. They are everywhere in the community and always ready to give," Paish said.
