Cheers filled the front field as Meadowridge welcomed riders from the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast. Students, staff, and families gathered, waving signs, clapping, and calling out encouragement as the team pedalled their way onto campus.
This year was especially meaningful for our community: our very own Elementary PHE teacher, Ms. Rosie DeBoef, joined the ride. Teaching PHE to students in Grades 1 through 5, and coaching Junior Girls Basketball this season. Ms. DeBoef has quickly become a familiar and inspiring face at Meadowridge. Her participation in Cops for Cancer inspired our school and our aim to raise $2,000 in support of cancer research and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Inspired by her aunt’s cancer journey and the belief that children can make a real impact, she felt compelled to join the ride when the opportunity arose. “I’ve done a lot of road biking, so I knew I’d be comfortable,” she shared, “but more than that, I wanted to inspire our students to get involved in the community and to show them what perseverance looks like.”
Ms. Rosie DeBoef was the only teacher among riders from various police divisions across the Lower Mainland. Though only in her second year of teaching PHE at Meadowridge, she’s no stranger to athletics, and this challenge was one she felt ready to take on.
Leading up to the visit, Ms. DeBoef mentioned she was looking forward to the moment she rides into Meadowridge. And that did not disappoint. Greeted by the cheers and energy of students, colleagues, and families, she was met with signs, claps, and the excited voices of children calling out, “Go Ms. DeBoef!”
Her advice to students? “Don’t give up, even if you feel intimidated or underprepared. Keep going.”
The Cops for Cancer riders left Meadowridge with full hearts and renewed momentum, carrying the cheers of our community with them as they continued their ride.
