Terry Fox’s Middle School Journey: A Legacy of Courage and Determination

Early Life and Education

Terry Fox, the renowned Canadian icon who dedicated his life to fighting cancer, spent his formative middle school years at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary School in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Years at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary

• Grades 7-9: From 1972 to 1975, Terry Fox attended classes at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary, where he excelled in both academics and athletics.
• Leadership and Athletics: Terry was an active and engaged student, serving as a student council representative and showcasing his exceptional running abilities.
• Early Signs of Cancer: During his middle school years, Terry began experiencing pain and discomfort in his right knee. However, the full extent of his condition remained undiagnosed until later.

Influence on Terry’s Legacy

Terry’s time at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary profoundly influenced his later life and legacy:

• Foundation for His Determination: The challenges he faced during his middle school years, including his undiagnosed cancer, instilled in him a sense of resilience and determination that would prove invaluable during his Marathon of Hope.
• Community Impact: Terry’s involvement in student council and athletics fostered his passion for making a positive impact on his community, which he later demonstrated through his fundraising efforts for cancer research.
• Support and Inspiration: The support and encouragement he received from his teachers and peers at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary provided a foundation of inspiration that motivated him throughout his life.

Legacy and Remembrance

Today, Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary School proudly celebrates Terry Fox’s legacy as an inspiration to generations of students. A commemorative plaque outside the school honors Terry’s memory and serves as a reminder of his unwavering spirit and commitment to fighting cancer.

Additional Facts and Trivia

• The school’s current address is 2225 Hawthorne Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 6A9.
• Terry Fox’s name is inscribed on a plaque in the school’s gymnasium, where he once showcased his athletic abilities.
• Students at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary continue to participate in the Terry Fox Run annually, raising funds for cancer research in his honor.

Terry Fox’s middle school years at Port Coquitlam Junior Secondary School laid the groundwork for his extraordinary journey of courage and determination. The school remains a testament to his legacy, inspiring students to embrace challenges and make a positive impact on the world.