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When the Olympic torch is carried through Surrey on February 8 and 9, the Surrey school district will cheer on three of its own: Sharon Watkins from Surrey district’s Curriculum & Instructional Services, Susan Wallace who teaches kindergarten at A. J. McLellan and Surrey school board trustee Pam Glass.
Glass carried the torch shortly after 3:30 p.m. on February 8 along 144 Street, just north of 60th Avenue. Two of her grandchildren helped her and several senior staff cheered her on. Glass is a former Olympian, having competed for Ireland in Track and Field in the 1948 Olympics.
51-year-old Sharon Watkins will be the 51st runner on February 9. Watkins is scheduled for the morning while Wallace is scheduled for the afternoon of the 9th. Each torchbearer runs a 300 metre course. Watkins runs along Scott Road starting at 97th Ave and turns a corner to take the torch to the corner of 98th and 121st. Wallace's run is set for Tsawwassen.
Wallace will be cheered on by many of her students as she completes her run. She will also be sharing her experience at A.J. McLellan, bringing her torch to the school along with her memories the day after the big event.
After carrying the Olympic flame, Watkins will walk the block down to Cedar Hills elementary where students will have a chance to ask questions and have their picture taken with the torch.
Watkins has worked in the district since 1998 and Wallace has been with the district for 20 years; excitement and support among their fellow employees is high.
Watkins will be able to take her memories and her torch home, thanks to her enthusiastic mother who purchased the torch for her. An equally enthusiatic father purchased the torch for Wallace. Only torch bearers have the privileged option of purchasing the three and a half pound Olympic icon, but they are limited to purchasing one torch each. Flame carriers are also shipped a uniform of red mittens with white jacket, pants and toque.
Despite her concern over stains ruining her dangerously white uniform, Watkins has managed to avoid any mishap. However, she is concerned about removing wrinkles before the big event.
When she first applied to carry the Olympic flame almost a year ago the last thing she expected was to be chosen. She typed her 250 word essay describing her efforts to promote and live a life of health and wellness, and after hitting the send button on the website she forgot about it. When she received an email in May which congratulated her on being preselected, she was sure that thousands of others had received the same notification and that her chances of being selected were still very slim. She was very surprised and very happy to receive an email congratulating her on being chosen.
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Surrey School Board trustee Pam Glass carries the torch with two of her grandchildren
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Last Updated: February 18, 2010
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