Foothills School Division recognized 30 teachers and staff members at their annual recognition luncheon on June 1. Superintendent John Bailey says each year the board of trustees really look forward to honouring some of the excellent staff within the division.

"Really it is a representative sample of our staff. Bus drivers, EAs, office administrators, our division courier, up to and including teachers. Lots of people work very hard every day and to have a few minutes once a year just to say thank you I think is really important."

Six teachers were nominated for Alberta Education's Excellence in Teaching Awards, including Chris Fagervik, Donna Gordon, Val Gushulak, Patty Slavin, Ashley Fargher, and Lisa Benner.

The Excellence in Supporting Student Success Award was given to 16 non-teaching staff, including Jessica Parkin, Kate Vickers, Allyson Krich, Kylie Parker, Shannon Block, Heather Clifford, Jan Pistawka, Kathy Parker, Nancy Bowlby, Teri McInnes, Linda Jones, Jeremy Raugust, Susan Stewart, Carol Webb, Dawn Jersch, and Lana Gwilliam. Bailey says this is an FSD award for people who impact students but are not always as up-front as teachers.

"Really, the work they do day-in and day-out does support student success. Lots of people don't think about it, but that award's great because it does recognize people who have lots of contact with students but they're not as up-front as teachers are. Often their work is quiet and behind the scenes, so it's just nice to recognize that."

Megan Skory, Kaitlyn Critchley, Graham Campbell, Jennifer Forbes, and Jeff Gardner were nominatedn in relation to the Alberta School Boards Association's Edwin Parr Award for outstanding first-year teachers, and Megan Skory selected as the FSD Zone Nominee. Bailey says these first year teachers have all done an exceptional job and it is a privilege to work with them and see their enthusiasm for students and learning.

Foothills School Division also recognized Bus Driver of the Year Lisa Willis, who was nominated by the division and chosen as the provincial award winner (Trustee Christine Pretty, Lisa Willis, and Superintendent John Bailey).

Bailey says the division was very pleased to see Longview School Principal Chet Musgrove selected as the provincial winner of the Distinguished Leadership Award.

"We nominated Chet, he does excellent work in leading the learning at Longview School. Dedicated, humble man, and we were very pleased that he was selected as a provincial winner for that award. Well-deserved."

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