- Transformational gift to Salmo Secondary School celebrates legacy, creates new opportunities for students

Salmo Secondary School has received a $600,000 donation from the McDonald family to honour the legacy of alumni Godfrey and Sheila McDonald and create lasting opportunities for current and future students.

The gift will be invested to generate approximately $30,000 annually, supporting two $10,000 scholarships as well as $10,000 annually transferred to a dedicated fund for student-focused and student-led initiatives at the school. 

“Salmo Secondary School values community and excellence. This donation is an incredible way to bring both those things together, and an amazing story of giving back and acknowledging your roots,” said Principal Jon Francis.   

“These funds will allow students to truly reach their future potential and will change lives. We are incredibly grateful to the McDonald family for their generous donation and for believing in our students and community.” 

Godfrey and Sheila McDonald both attended Salmo High School in the 1950s, where they met as students and began a life partnership that would span nearly seven decades. Their shared experiences in Salmo helped shape their values and future success, inspiring the family’s decision to give back in a meaningful way. 

The McDonald family created the scholarship fund to honour both Godfrey’s academic achievements and the couple’s lifelong appreciation for the role Salmo Secondary played in their lives. Godfrey, who grew up on a farm near Salmo, received a scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia after graduating from Salmo Secondary School. He then worked at the smelter in Trail and embarked on a global career in metallurgy that took him across Canada and around the world. 

“We are proud to support Salmo students in honour of our parents,” said Dean McDonald on behalf of the family. 

“High school shaped who they became, and they always valued their education and their community. The scholarship my father received when he graduated from Salmo High School gave him a chance to pursue his studies and provided him a life changing opportunity. Our family’s hope is that these scholarships and the student fund also promote student success after graduation.”

“Salmo Secondary and the story behind these scholarships are powerful examples of what happens when a school community supports its young people,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie. 

“This donation will have a lasting impact, not only by supporting students financially, but by reinforcing the message that their school and their community believe in them and are invested in their success and well-being.”

Salmo Secondary School serves about 150 students in grades 7 to 12 and is recognized for its strong sense of community, student leadership opportunities, athletics, outdoor education and commitment to inclusive learning.