It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of beloved teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend, Ms. Heather Rothney.

Heather passed away this Tuesday, after a lengthy and hard-fought battle with cancer. Her dedication to her students, colleagues, and BCS shone through in everything she did—and stayed strong throughout the last three years that followed her diagnosis. A few members of the BCS community on whom Heather had a big impact have these words to share:

"I won the academic lottery in my first year at BCS when I was placed into Ms. Rothney’s English class," expressed Chad Bean, BCS'13. "One memory I hold close took place last year at the BCS Alumni & Friends HockeyTournament. Ms. Rothney surprised the Beauties team with a visit. Made our weekend. I’m pretty sure she was there to keep all her boys in line!" Heather was a big fan of BCS Hockey and loved to see students play. Mrs. Janice Carey remembers her friend and colleague's love of teaching and, most importantly, her love towards her students. "Heather was a dedicated teacher and an integral part of the English Department. [...] If our hockey team was playing a home game, we would always go watch and cheer them on together."

Josh Bray, BCS'15, recalls the impact Heather had on him and his peers. "Leaving behind a sea of students who have come to cultivate a love for life, literature, and language is the workings of a true educator. To do so whilst planting fond memories, brightening souls, and amplifying smiling faces is the work of someone truly special." For Mr. Scott Kelso, Heather was more than a colleague, she was actual family; her mother was a Kelso! "When I was growing up, Heather taught me my first chords on the guitar and was also my Sunday School teacher at church. When she joined the BCS faculty, I already knew just how special she was and how loved she would come to be by her students and fellow faculty alike. [...] she remains part of our little department, where we will fondly remember the good times and all the laughs we shared."

Heather chose to pursue teaching to follow in the footsteps of her mother and she touched the lives of all she met at BCS. There will be a special visitation on Friday for members of the BCS community who were close to her heart.

"Rest In Peace Ms. Rothney, you will be deeply missed, and forever cherished." -Josh Bray