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Power hits two decades

The Power program, a secondary school program in the New Westminster school district, celebrates its 20th anniversary on Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Power program, a secondary school program in the New Westminster school district, celebrates its 20th anniversary on Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The unique learning program is open to all Lower Mainland students, ages 16 to 18, and incorporates academics, career exploration and work experience opportunities.

"It's relationship-based. For example, each of our students has a focus teacher," Jim Russell, a teacher, said. "The focus teacher is the person who meets with them on a regular basis, talks about academics as well as maybe what's happening outside of school, whether that be a job search, whether that be family, whatever issues are happening."

The program offers a variety of structured and self-paced courses each following the prescribed B.C.

Ministry of Education curriculum, and students take all of the required courses for their high school diploma. The school also offers a year-round calendar.

The school's annual graduation is always an emotional and interesting event, Russell said, particularly for students who didn't ever expect to make it to graduation.

Russell estimates that about 65 per cent come from out of district.

For more information, visit the New Westminster school district's website at http: //district.sd40.bc.ca.

The program is located at 1001 Columbia St., in downtown New Westminster.

PIZZA FOR A GOOD CAUSE

New Westminster Community Schools is holding a fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Boston Pizza New West, 1045 Columbia St.

The fundraiser will consist of a pizza buffet, local celebrities, silent auctions and raffles.

"Community Schools is a service that provides after-school programs for kids," Tracy Pham, community relations coordinator, wrote in an email. "They work closely with families in New Westminster in hopes to enrich the lives of children through collaborative, responsive, inclusive, culturally affirming services and partnerships that enhance life-long learning."

New Westminster Community Schools hope to raise $1,000 with this fundraiser.

Do you have interesting news about your school or a news tip from the city education scene? Email Niki Hope, nhope@royalcityrecord. com, and follow her at www. twitter.com/nikimhope.