The New Westminster school board is paying its respects to a former trustee who passed away last week.
Trustees took time at the June 23 board meeting, held online via Webex, to acknowledge the contributions of Lisa Graham. Graham, who was born and raised in New Westminster, served four terms on the New Westminster school board starting in 2002. She died June 18.
Board chair Anita Ansari started the meeting by paying tribute to Graham.
“She left a legacy of a lot of really good work in this district, and we were all very saddened to hear of her passing. We were really grateful for the amount of time and the passion that she put championing the causes of inclusive education and caring for students,” Ansari said. “This is really a loss to the community of New Westminster, and I wish my deepest condolences to her family.”
Trustee Mary Lalji also added words of praise for Graham.
“She was a very student-driven trustee. She truly cared about our schools, our community and the history that it stood for,” Lalji said. “Lisa took a very keen interest in students facing all kinds of life challenges - emotional, cognitive, physical - being a voice at the board table.”
Lalji noted Graham had been recognized with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her advocacy on behalf of students and support workers.
“Our thoughts and prayers for her daughter Julie and son David at this time,” Lalji said.
- With files from Theresa McManus
