SUMMERSIDE – It was an announcement Sue Thomson was not expecting.
The longtime and respected physical education teacher was named the 2018 recipient of the Three Oaks Senior High School Alumni Award recently.
“They fooled me because I thought somebody else was getting it,” said Thomson. “I had suggested someone else, and I definitely did not know this was planned. It’s nice to be recognized by your peers and athletes. That’s why we’re here – the athletes.”
Thomson is retiring this year after a teaching career just shy of 30 years. Although Thomson is quick to deflect attention, she was clearly in the spotlight as Three Oaks athletic director Joel Arsenault made the presentation.
“The Three Oaks Alumni Award was designed to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Three Oaks Athletic Department,” explained Arsenault. “Whether their contribution was through coaching, administrating, publicizing or parenting, all our past recipients had one thing in common – a deep desire to contribute to the growth of Three Oaks student-athletes.”
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Thomson, who has taught and coached field hockey at Three Oaks since 2001, was very appreciative to receive the award, but yet very humble.
“It’s not about me, it’s all about the kids,” said Thomson after being approached for a brief interview.
Arsenault praised Thomson’s commitment to her students.
“She has always taken an interest in the whole student, not just athletics, and has taught many courses at Three Oaks in which she encouraged students to aim high and maximize their potential,” said Arsenault.
Commitment to students
Thomson’s commitment to the students extends well beyond the classroom.
“She has been involved in planning, implementing and executing many games and tournaments,” explained Arsenault. “She has devoted countless weekend and after-school hours to the supervision of such tournaments. She has also volunteered as a referee for field hockey and basketball.”’
To illustrate Thomson’s influence, Arsenault quoted some of her former students and players.
“One said, ‘Those of who had her as a coach are better people for having her in our lives. She had the ability to inspire and elevate our game with a few succinct and encouraging words. All these years later, I have yet to have a coach rival her abilities.’”
Arsenault told the story of Thomson encouraging one student-athlete to try field hockey after she failed to make the soccer team: “’I wasn’t much of an athlete, but she created an energy and community around the sport that was contagious and motivated me to dedicate myself to the skills.’”
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