The Hamilton Spectator

Closing a Culture

- BY ARIEL BAIRD-KERR, GRADE 12

Sir John has A. given Macdonalda second Secondaryh­ome to many School,of itsa long-standingst­udents. Althoughhi­gh schoolits wallsin the may heartbe crackedof the Hammer,and crumbling, the heart of the students and staff will forever beat strong.

In two years, this wonderful school will close. Not only will it close its doors to future students where they can learn so many different things, but it will also close its doors on the many cultures it holds.

Now, I’m not just talking about the cultures of students from different background­s, ethnicitie­s, or countries, which are of course wonderfull­y important. I am talking about the cultures created here of our music players, our painters, our sculptors, our photograph­ers, our drama buffs, smoke pit kids, our young mothers and our history lovers.

Our cultures of science scholars, future mathematic­ians, literary artists, promising poets, law experts and our auto kids, woodworker­s and welders. Of course, we can’t forget about our athletes, and future five-star chefs, and our health, exercise and safety nuts.

There are just so many different languages, beliefs, colours and cultures in a large inner-city school. I may understand the want and/or need to close the school down but at the same time I know that Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School is a uniquely important and memorable place for its staff and students.

My only hope for whatever the new north school will be called, is that the SJAM students and staff that may be there will imbue our school spirit. That they can keep Macdonald pride going strong all the same. So, no matter where we, the many cultures of SJAM are in our lives, we will still have a home!

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