MLA Linda Larson had to replace Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education at the ribbon cutting ceremony at a packed event at the SOSS gym today.

About 600 people attend the gala opening which included a ceremony, basketball games, video, displays, theatre on stage, native drumming and tours of the new facility. A number of former principals, Don Wallace and Marty Lewis, attended the event.

Speakers included Mayor Ron Hovanes, MLA Larson, Teresa Gabriel OIB, School Trustee Chair Marieze Tarr, and Mitch Van Aller – who received the largest ovation after an emotional speech about the difficulties and rewards of building a school twice – a project that ultimately cost $51 million. Van Aller credited a great team of architects, builders, construction crews and staff that made it all possible.