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Statue honours educator

Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 16/04) - The life and work of Jack Keenan was honoured, Wednesday, with the unveiling of a statue at Ecole St. Joseph school by Yellowknife Catholic Schools.

"He was a man with a vision," said Shannon Gullberg, school board trustee.

Keenan's vision of Ecole St. Joseph school was created at the time when the only neighbours were trees and foxes. Today the school is located in a highly populated area.

As chairperson of Yellowknife Catholic school board, Keenan worked hard to ensure the school was built.

Ecole St. Joseph school opened in 1978, the same year Keenan passed away.

"Jack would be pleased to know his efforts continue to contribute to Christian education even to this day," said Jeanne Keenan, Jack's widow. The school has grown since it was built, but it retains the same family atmosphere that makes it so popular.

The commemorative statue depicts this spirit.

"The sculpture is symbolic of the family (Keenan) that is before us today," said Kern Von Hagen, superintendent of Yellowknife Catholic Schools.