During my teaching career I worked under five principals. Fortunately, one was not just average but OUTSTANDING.

S. Kendrick Smith, a British war veteran, emigrated to teach in Canada after World War II. In 1970 he was parachuted into a school somewhat in turmoil as a result of sweeping educational changes hitting schools across North America.

Ken got it right. He was able to see and get the best out of everyone — both staff and student. By the end of the decade he was ready to retire but followed his interest in children to the end

In later years he went to Uganda as an educational consultant. I was told he was so touched by the poverty, by the time he returned home he had given away everything but the clothes on his back. That was Ken Smith.

Ken died in 1995. A decade later when the house was being sold his daughter Jennifer invited former staff members to return and pick up a memento from those amazing years.

For me, it was Ken that allowed and encouraged the Trek program that provided a foundation for much that has been preserved on this website. I chose to take home the bellows from Ken's fireplace. It seemed fitting as it was Ken who kept the fire in my belly going for what I was teaching those many years.

Ruth was on staff when Hamilton Jr. High started in 1950 and was a catalyst for change during the 1970s

Hamilton Jr. High ceased to exist in 2003.