By Rosalind Russell – Manitoulin Island students were excited to hear the whir of a helicopter earlier this week as a surprise for one of their retiring teachers.
CC McLean Public School retiring teacher Heather Jefkins has been an avid supporter of the Canadian Forces for many years teaching her students the contributions of military personnel and how they serve around the world.
A contingent from the Royal Canadian Air Force showed up at the school in a helicopter to personally present the Centennial Coin to her for her contributions in supporting the military.
2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a distinct military component of the Canadian Forces and the coin was minted to mark this history.
Officials say Jefkins was surprised and gracious in her thank you to the air force personnel, and her students and staff for hosting such a unique experience to mark her retirement.