Embracing the Panther Spirit: A Legacy of Pride and Community at Abbotsford Senior Secondary
For the past 60-plus years, Abbotsford Senior Secondary has been the heartbeat of central Abbotsford. You cannot be out and about anywhere in this city without meeting at least one Abby Sr graduate. Over the course of the past two years, I have come to learn that being a Panther really means something. It is a cherished honour, one full of smiles, fond memories, lifelong friendships, and a whole lot of amazing academic and athletic accomplishments. There is an immense amount of pride in the eyes of Panthers past and present, and I have spent a lot of time wondering what has made this place so special to so many people.
The traditions and memories. Whether it's crowds on a rainy Friday night football game, the cheers during the annual snowball basketball tournament, the smiles and waves from the bands during city parades, the colours, dress, and decorations on school spirit days, the traditions, of this special place, have become the memories of 1000s of Abby Senior graduates. And guess what? These memories are shared around the tables of children and grandchildren. These school traditions have become family traditions and cherished memories for to share.
The opportunities. Every school says, “There is something for everyone here." Well, Abby Senior is no different. With over 60 clubs and teams, the Integrated Studies Program, the International Baccalaureate Program, the Fine Arts classes, careers programs, and dozens of electives to choose from, not only is there something here for everyone, I make a promise to new students that within their first month they will find an opportunity that piques their interest. It’s the Panther promise.
The people. With over 110 staff in the building, you cannot find a more inclusive, kind, dedicated, fun-loving, hardworking, and proud group of people. Not only do they teach and support students, they coach, they supervise, they participate, they cheer, they advocate, they reassure, they connect, and they care. I have the immense privilege to observe staff every day in this special place. In their interactions with students, their collegial greetings in the hallway, their laughter in the classrooms, and in their care of students, their families and this community, I see staff who are so happy to be at work and so happy to be a Panther. They work tirelessly to help students see the best in themselves, in their abilities, in their options, and in each other.
Proud Panther and Principal
Jennie Bell
