SD22 teachers, school staff honoured as finalist in Premier’s education awards

Oct 17, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Four teachers from School District 22 were amongst the finalists for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education.

There were 34 finalists selected in 10 categories for this year’s edition of the awards recognizing exceptional teachers, support staff and administrators in B.C.

“The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education celebrate the incredible achievements of 34 educational leaders over the past two years,” said Premier John Horgan.

“Every day, you go above and beyond to put students first. The Premier’s Awards are our chance to thank the teachers, staff and educational leaders who bring out the best in B.C. students and represent the best of our province.”

Locally, Tom Craik of Ellison Elementary was named a finalist in the Community Engagement category, while SD22 district technology innovation co-ordinator, Corinne McWhinney, Kalamalka Secondary vice-principal Joshua Vance, and SD22 director of technology, Timothy Agnew, were finalists in the Outstanding Team Collaboration category.

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Though named finalists, none of the local school staff won their categories.

Sandra Richardson, the vice-principal of Okanagan-Skaha, won the Community Engagement title, while Megan Kang, Meghan Stewart and Tricia Yurkowski of Westcot Elementary in West Vancouver, won the Outstanding Team Collaboration title.

“B.C. has extraordinary teachers, administrators and support staff which is evident through the nominations, finalists and winners of the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education,” said Lt. Gov. Janet Austin.

“Their enthusiasm for supporting and mentoring students builds on their commitment to ensure learners of all ages achieve success in school and in life. I believe deeply in the importance of high quality and accessible education as a foundation to a prosperous society and is critical to enhancing the well-being of all citizens.”

The winners of each of the 10 categories earned a $3,000 taxable personal bursary for professional learning, while a $2,000 contribution was made to their school communities for professional learning.

The runners-up didn’t leave empty handed either. They each received a $1,000 taxable bursary and a $1,000 contribution to their community.

Other regional teachers and school staff to make it into the finalist list include:

Randy Jones, behaviour intervention service co-ordinator (retired) for Okanagan-Skaha – Finalist in District Leadership
Rupinder Aujla, teacher at Ellison Elementary in Central Okanagan – Winner in Outstanding New Teacher
Rob Bennett, teacher at Ecole Kelowna School in Central Okanagan – Finalist in Outstanding New Teacher
Carmen McDowell, teacher at Rutland Middle in Central Okanagan – Finalist in Outstanding New Teacher
Nicole Rishaug, student success team advocate for Mount Boucherie Secondary in Central Okanagan – Winner of Outstanding Support – School Community

by Liam Verster

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