Most of us can remember a teacher who made a lasting difference in our lives. For many students at Summerland Secondary School, that teacher was Sandra Nicolson. Sandra was deeply committed to her students, not just to their education, but to their well-being and future. She believed every young person deserved encouragement and the chance to reach their potential.

Her classroom was a place where students felt safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Sandra taught with patience and kindness, always reminding her students that someone believed in them. Over decades of service, she quietly changed lives through everyday acts of respect and support.

Sandra passed away last year, but her values live on. To honour her memory, Sandra’s family, with encouragement from her former colleague and longtime Foundation volunteer, Linda Beaven, established the Sandra Nicolson “Helping Hand” Bursary Fund. This fund provides bursaries to students who have shown resilience and personal growth in the face of challenges – reflecting the qualities Sandra championed throughout her career.

If you would like to make a gift to the Sandra Nicolson “Helping Hand” Memorial Bursary Fund, you can do so here.