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Pin Ceremony

Wednesday, 25 February 2015 15:13

17 Woodstock Collegiate Institute Students received special pins before they head to Taiwan

WOODSTOCK - A special ceremony was held this morning out in front of a bust of W.C.I. graduate Reverend George Mackay at the courthouse where 17 students travelling to Taiwan as an educational trip received a pin as a sendoff.  Woodstock Collegiate Institute Principal Chris Friesen explains the significant of the gift. "The students were given a Scottish pin as a representation of some of Reverend Mackay's heritage to bring with them to show the Embro heritage and pride that Reverend Mackay represents in Taiwan.  Obviously, there is a connection to our school because Embro is one of the areas we feed from we actually have 4 students who live in Embro that are going on the trip."      

Reverend George Mackay made numerous visits to Taiwan in the 1870's and established many of the institutions that are in still place today.  Warden for Oxford County David Mayberry thinks international travel is always beneficial and is pleased these students are making the trip. ''I hope they come back with a sense that while we are different in cultural outlooks that people are people and that their culture is worthy of our respect and our understanding.  I think people tend to come back from international experienced realizing that we live in a great place.''     

The group will be gone for 17 days and thanks to Mackay this part of Taiwan holds Oxford County in high regard.  Mayberry explains his reasoning for the importance of the pins. "We gave them pins to show people that they are from Oxford.  The relationship to Oxford County in Taiwan has been very strong for over 140 years.  I think the brief moment that you have with youth you realize that this is the best Oxford has to offer." The group is set to leave on March 1st. 

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