Jesse McKinnon,  a teacher at Southern Okanagan Secondary School. He teaches Social Studies, English, Planning and other courses.

McKinnon  mentions that when he was young, skateboarding was illegal and skaters were seen as social outcasts. He started skateboarding at the age of 13, it was something that he thoroughly enjoyed, and he still does today. He says “Skateboarding was instrumental in shaping who I became”, and with this club he wishes to give kids at our SOSS an opportunity to put their energy into something positive. McKinnon wants to open up opportunities between traditional school athletics, and start an individual sport for the kids who are more independent..

Jesse McKinnon, 38. believes that this club will provide kids with an experience of being physically active in a different sport, as well as make them feel more like they are members of a community. He also believes that kids will learn to channel their energy into something that will make them happy. He claims “It brings me joy, and many other kids joy.”

This SOSS teacher plans to take his club to other skateboarding parks in Peachland, West Kelowna, and Kelowna. They have recently traveled to Osoyoos, Penticton and Keremeos, and they will continue to attend and skate in these areas.