Barbara Howard Student Arts Program
The Program is in honour of Barbara Howard. Barbara is a current resident of Burnaby, avid church member and lover of the arts. She also happens to be the first person of colour to compete for Canada on an international stage. At 17 Barbara ran the 100 meter dash in 11.2 seconds, which secured her a spot on team Canada for the Empire Games in 1938. She returned from the games placing 6th in the world at the 100 meter and won a silver and bronze in the relay. The War cancelled the 1940 Olympics where she vowed to return with gold. If that wasn't enough Barbara received an Education Degree from UBC and became the first visible minority hired by the Vancouver School Board. She is now a close friend and inspiration to so many young people and artists. Barbara is no longer running or teaching but she is a huge supporter of the arts. She continues to be an inspiration to so many.