Renowned artist and conservationist Robert Bateman visited his namesake school in Abbotsford on Friday to sign some of his new calendars for students.
Four students had won a school draw and each received one of Bateman's just-released 2015 calendars — and the chance to meet the artist.
"Just to have him as a role model for our students and staff is quite unreal," explained Jinder Sarowa, principal of Robert Bateman secondary, noting that Bateman typically visits the school at least once a year.
"It's good to hear his message about the environment and getting students outdoors."
Liam McGennis, 13, was one of the lucky students waiting to meet Bateman and get his calendar signed. He explained that his older sister, who graduated last year from Bateman secondary, has a book on Bateman's artwork signed by the artist.
"I'm excited because it's cool to meet the guy the school is named after and meet the guy my sister has met twice," he said.