Spencer Middle School has a new Pride crosswalk, thanks to an idea from the school’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities Club.
Royal Bay Secondary students created the Sooke School District’s only other rainbow crosswalk in 2021.
The Spencer club advocated for the crosswalk at an existing crossing on Goldstream Avenue in a letter to Langford council.
They asked to paint it in the colours of a progress Pride flag, which combines the rainbow and transgender flags, and also represents those who are Black, Indigenous and people of colour.
Spencer principal Jen Nixon said she is proud of the students.
“It takes courage to stand up for human rights and it takes grit to persevere on the journey of creating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful community,” Nixon said in a statement. “We are grateful to the City of Langford for their support, enabling Spencer students to evolve into engaged, global citizens.
She said teacher Kelly McCarthy, student-engagement facilitator Su Castle and education assistant Rachael Wadham helped the students in their efforts.
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson said he is impressed with the students’ leadership.
Spencer has about 600 students in Grades 6-8.
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