May 19, 2011 / Capital Educators' Awards
The 2011 Capital Educators’ Awards were presented to 16 of the region’s most innovative and respected educators this evening at the tenth annual EduGala, held at Algonquin College. Hosted by the Ottawa-Carleton Learning Foundation (OCLF), the event honours the talented and dedicated professionals across all levels of education who demonstrate teaching excellence and instill confidence and a passion for learning in their students.
The awards were created in 2001 by a group of business and education leaders who wanted to raise the profile of public education and to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Ottawa’s local educators. The program is administered by OCLF in collaboration with the ten participating education institutions.
Nominations for the awards were open to educators employed by the four publicly-funded school boards, two colleges and four universities located within the City of Ottawa. More than 500 nominations were received for 329 educators who were nominated by current and former students, parents and professional colleagues. A panel of judges representing business, education and community organizations reviewed the 68 finalists and selected the 16 award recipients.
"We are very fortunate to be part of a community that recognizes the dedicated and caring people who do their best every day to help students be successful. This event is a fantastic way to showcase some of the region’s most committed and creative educators,” said François Benoit, Director of Education, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario.
"I wish to congratulate all of the Capital Educators' Awards winners. Educators play a vital role in helping to develop the skills, curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning that is necessary to help students become critical thinkers and good citizens," added Robert Gillett, President and CEO, Algonquin College. "It is important that their passion and dedication continues to be recognized publicly by the community.”
The EduGala audience of over 450 education, business and community representatives was also the first to hear the announcement of OCLF’s new name and logo. OCLF will become the Ottawa Network for Education. “The Ottawa-Carleton Learning Foundation has served the Ottawa community faithfully but quietly since its incorporation in 1985,” said Kathy McKinlay, President and CEO of OCLF. She explained that between 1998 and 2010, the administration of OCLF affairs was contracted to OCRI (Ottawa Centre for Regional Innovation), and OCRI was the public face of the education programs. She added, “Our new identity as the Ottawa Network for Education, recognizes the importance of our network of partners, supporters and volunteers, and will enable us to become more visible as the organization dedicated to supporting public education in our community.” The new Ottawa Network for Education logo includes a multi-coloured starburst, symbolizing the energy that comes from different people and organizations working together.
Award recipients at the 2011 EduGala are:
Alex Alexopoulos – Rockliffe Park Public School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Wendy Anderson – Castor Valley Elementary School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Marie-Pier Bourdon – École d’enseignement personnalisé La Source, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Anthony Daimsis – Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Chris Drummond – Nepean High School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Catherine Gravelle – Woodroffe High School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Awad Ibrahim – Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa
David Lacaille – Soins ambulanciers paramédicaux, La Cité collégiale
Edmond Léger – École secondaire publique Omer-Deslauriers, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
Paul McDonough – All Saints High School, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Helena Merriam – School of Health and Community Studies, Algonquin College
Leighann Neilson – Sprott School of Business, Carleton University
Dean Prigent – Mother Teresa High School, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Mark Slatter – Faculty of Theology, Saint Paul University
Elizabeth Thompson – Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School, Ottawa Catholic School Board
H. Masud Taj – Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University
About OCLF:
The Ottawa-Carleton Learning Foundation (OCLF) facilitates dialogue and action to support public education in our community – from Kindergarten to PhD. In partnership with local school boards, colleges, universities and other stakeholders, OCLF develops and implements initiatives that leverage community resources to support student success. OCLF has played a lead role in developing over forty innovative education programs since its inception in 1985.
For information contact:
Christine Lauzon-Foley
Director, Education Initiatives, OCLF
Office:(613) 828 6274 ext.277
Mobile: (613) 222-2983
Email: clauzon-foley@ocri.ca
