Many people don’t realize they can finish secondary school for free and that’s something Vicky Santelli, secretary and general hub of the local GROW Centre, finds disappointing.
GROW’s (Graduation Routes Other Ways) mission is to provide alternate routes to secondary-school graduation.
The 100 Mile House centre is located on the corner of Birch Avenue and Fifth Street, and is available to anyone in the community who needs to, or would simply like to, take a secondary school level course.
Until three years ago, students were charged more than $200 per course, but now the full range of courses required for high school graduation or upgrading are free to residents of British Columbia.
Santelli says people enroll for a variety of reasons.
“Some people want to upgrade, so they can change careers, and for some, it’s a matter of interest. Others, who are new to the country, take English to upgrade their skills.
“We get a lot of grads from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) who come here to get a higher math or science marks, so they can continue on in university or college.”
GROW students work largely on their own, but qualified instructors are always available at the centre or by phone for those who are more comfortable working at home.
At the 100 Mile centre, Shelly Joyner takes care of the science and physics department, and Pat Whan teaches English, social studies and math.
Mike Franklin is the new principal and he divides his time between the 100 Mile House and Williams Lake centres.
Santelli notes that between 10 and 20 students earn their secondary-school diplomas through the GROW Centre each year, and average about 90 courses per year.
“We get all ages, from people in their twenties to those in their eighties. Some graduate quietly and others join the ceremonies at PSO.”
Santelli says she is sensitive to the concerns of these students and prospective students.
“The hardest part is getting through the door. The rest is easy. The self-worth and self-esteem students gain is immeasurable.”
The GROW Centre operates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff can be contacted by calling 250-395-3060.
