Honouring excellence

Aug 29, 2007

In this week’s Pioneer Profile a brief period of Jean and John McDermott’s extensive education careers are merely touched upon.

The story struggles to cram in the essential events the couple helped shape as high school education in this area was revolutionized without dismissing the area’s rural heritage or alienating the diverse communities.

Their accomplishments would never have happened without dedication to the responsibilities charged to them.

John oversaw the amalgamation of five small rural high schools spread out over a huge geographic area. The move combined them into a centre that was more than the sum of its parts.

Jean taught in split grade high school classrooms during an era when preparation periods and support staff were unheard of.

Both are tasks modern day educators would shudder at if not call impossible.
That alone speaks to their complete commitment.

In the story the word fathomless is used to count the number of student lives the McDermotts have made an impact on. Whether in a particular classroom, the halls of Almaguin or perhaps even far off in the Cold War era Soviet Union, the task of trying to put a number to the number of lives touched is impossible to calculate.

The Almaguin Highlands should take pride that these people with such dedication to educational excellence call this area home.

One of the few reminders of their many contributions is the John A. McDermott Auditorium at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.

Some good news from the Ministry of Education this past spring unfortunately means that in the next few years the auditorium will be torn down.

It is part of progress.

But progress does not need to disrespect the past.

When a new facility opens, there needs to be a place at least as significant as the auditorium dedicated to the dedication given to generations of Almaguin students by the McDermotts.