Nominated by Public (Now Open)
Students must attend a school in an ASBA member school board and the nomination must be submitted to ASBA by administration, staff or an education community member from the student's school
Nominated by ASBA Member School Boards (Opens January 2025)
Nominated by ASBA President
ASBA Service Recognition
2024 Community Engagement Award Nominees
“2024–27 CBE Education Plan Engagement”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Ward Committee Meetings – Innovative Model”: Submitted by Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
Congratulations to High Prairie School Division!
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”
The “High Prairie School Division Engagement” identified key elements and ideas from stakeholders to rewrite and revisit their Mission, Vision and Core Values. The Board designed a multi-pronged approach to stakeholder engagement inclusive of multiple community consultation meetings, an online survey, and Annual Education Results Report Data. Through Board outreach and comprehensive feedback, the board was able to maximize participation and transparency. This community engagement yielded significant outcomes and benefits for the board, fostering meaningful connections and facilitating a transformative strategic shift.
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
“High Prairie School Division Community Engagement”: Submitted by High Prairie School Division
2024 School Board Innovation and Excellence Award Nominees
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Loose Parts Play”: Submitted by Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division
“English Language Learner Educator, ELLE”: Submitted by Edmonton Catholic Schools
“Newcomer Kiosk”: Submitted by Fort McMurray Public School Division
“Mobile Field Study Lab”: Submitted by Livingstone Range School Division
“Oskinîkisis Nīkānīwin; Youth Leads the Way”: Submitted by Lloydminster Catholic School Division
“Prairie Winds Fire Academy”: Submitted by Palliser School Division
“Altario Agriculture Academy”: Submitted by Prairie Land Public School Division
Congratulations to Calgary Board of Education!
“Level Up Calgary”
Over the past three years, Calgary Board of Education, the City of Calgary and Microsoft partnered to develop and implement a sustainable and engaging model for Minecraft education for students. The goal of “Level Up Calgary” is to enhance student engagement and learning, develop digital citizenship skills, support teacher innovation and provide inclusive and accessible learning opportunities.
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
“Level Up Calgary”: Submitted by Calgary Board of Education
Congratulations to Trustee Brad Toone
Trustee Brad Toone has dedicated two terms to serving as a Zone 6 Director on ASBA’s Board of Directors, from November 2018-2022. His leadership has been instrumental on several committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee during both terms, the Policy Development Advisory Committee from January 2019-November 2020, and the Advocacy Committee from January to October 2021. In addition, he served as Chair of the Governance Task Force from June to August 2022, which played a key role in reviewing ASBA’s Bylaws and Governance Policies and making recommendations to the Board of Directors. He represented ASBA on the Student Transportation Alberta Association External Committee from June 2021 to June 2023. He was also a valuable member of the task force that planned the 2023 CSBA Congress and National Trustee Gathering on Indigenous Education.
Currently, he serves on the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan Board of Trustees and is in his second term on the Alberta School Boards’ Insurance Exchange Board. With a steadfast commitment to his community and students, Trustee Brad’s dedication to education and unwavering support for rural education has made a significant impact.
2024 President's Award Recipient, Trustee Brad Toone
2024 President's Award Recipient, Trustee Brad Toone
2024 President's Award Recipient, Trustee Brad Toone
Recognizing Outgoing Zone 2/3 Director Colleen Holowaychuk
Outgoing Zone 2/3 Director Colleen Holowaychuk became a trustee in 2010 and provided leadership for many years as both a Zone Chair and Vice Chair for Zone 2/3. Following that, Colleen stepped into the role of Director, beginning her tenure in November 2021. She has shared her expertise in many areas of the Association’s business, in support of the Association, students and community. She served on ASBA's Policy Development Advisory Committee from December 2022 to December 2023, where her work contributed to advancing revisions to Association Bylaws and Governance Policies, development of General Meeting bulletins and running of General Meeting Business Sessions. She was also a member of the Position Statement Advisory Group which reviewed an early version of the Association’s Position Statement Framework. Her role on the Audit and Risk Management Committee and her input into budget development discussions showcased her dedication to ensuring the Association remained fiscally responsible.
As the Zone 2/3 Director, she diligently represented the zone’s best interests at the Board table, championing the Association’s advocacy efforts and promoting its mission, vision and strategic plan, all while contributing to a unified approach with excellence. As she transitions from her Director role, we are grateful for her unwavering dedication, insightful leadership, and passion for education and locally elected trustees.
Thank you for your outstanding service!
Outgoing Zone 2/3 Board of Director, Colleen Holowaychuk
Outgoing Zone 2/3 Board of Director, Colleen Holowaychuk
Outgoing Zone 2/3 Board of Director, Colleen Holowaychuk
Recognizing Outgoing Zone 4 Chair Kim Smyth
Outgoing Zone 4 Chair Kim Smyth is a trustee with Clearview Public Schools and has led the Zone since November 2021. Her leadership and commitment to the zone is evidenced by her efficient Chairing of zone meetings and zone business, and her participation in Zone Chairs meetings, where she was an active participant in collaborative discussions, sharing ideas and learning about initiatives from other zones. She has supported ASBA and the Zone in position statement work, ensuring a representative from Zone 4 was a part of the Position Statement Advisory Group and the Position Statement Writer’s Guide.
Thank you for your outstanding service!
Outgoing Zone 4 Chair, Kim Smyth
Outgoing Zone 4 Chair, Kim Smyth
Outgoing Zone 4 Chair, Kim Smyth
Congratulations to Our Recipients!
Grades 10-12
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Grades 7-9
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Grades 4-6
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Kindergarten-Grade 3
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All Recipients
Mary Campbell: Whitecourt, AB – North
Michelle Beaver: Edmonton, AB – Central
Khloe Watson: Siksika, AB – South
Poe Young: Edmonton, AB – Central
Kodi Plume: Cardston, AB – South
Rodney Lalonde: High Prairie, AB – North
Chloe Sanderson: Blackfalds, AB – Central
Emerson Moroz: Calgary, AB – South
Amelia Savill: Anzac, AB – North
Logan Harden: Hinton, AB – Central
Sturgis Big Bull: Lethbridge, AB – South
Congratulations to Our Recipients!
Grade 11
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Grade 9
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Grade 6
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All Recipients
Shayden Fayant: Fishing Lake, AB – North
Maria Laiton Ochoa: Edmonton, AB – Central
Cassandra Klak: Calgary, AB – South
Adam Auclair: Fox Creek, AB – North
Gavin Checkosis: Paradise Valley, AB – Central
Keagan Farmer: Drumheller, AB – South
Kairoh Winiandy: Grande Prairie, AB – North
Johnny Beaverbones: Nordegg, AB – Central
Edith Salazar Godinez: Airdrie, AB – South
Congratulations to Our Recipients!
Zone 1Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO, Northwestern Polytechnic: Nominated by Peace River School Division Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic, was nominated for her work in fostering strong, positive relationships within the educational community. Known for her commitment to mutual respect, collaboration, and academic opportunity, Dr. Sheane has championed initiatives that expand career pathways for students, notably in trades. |
Zone 2/3Bonnyville Friendship Centre: Nominated by Northern Lights Public Schools The Bonnyville Friendship Centre was nominated for their work in ensuring students have access to nutritious food through the Bonnyville Food Bank, a hot lunch program for high school students, and the Friends of Lunch Program, which supplies healthy meals to local schools. Their youth programs, welcoming both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, include workshops, camps, and events that foster intercultural understanding and respect. |
Zone 2/3Manluk Global Manufacturing Solutions: Nominated by Black Gold School Division Manluk Global Manufacturing Solutions was nominated for their sponsorship which fosters education in the community by hiring students to work during the summer, supplying donations, materials, equipment and essential tools for Calmar Secondary students in the machining program. This support has enabled a small rural school to foster significant levels of success for students. |
Zone 4County of Lacombe: Nominated by Wolf Creek Public Schools The County of Lacombe was nominated for their positive and collaborative working relationship and the support they provide for youth. With strong support of youth, the success and social/emotional wellbeing of Wolf Creek students is evidence by the contributions made to the division, and funding for Social Workers who provide critically necessary support to students. |
Zone 5Kids Only Shoppe: Nominated by Foothills School Division The Kids Only Shoppe at the Millarville Christmas Market, founded by Patty Webb, was nominated for their fostering of community engagements. An initiative of the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society, the Kids Only Shoppe has grown over nine years into a powerful community initiative supported by 60 volunteers who work together to make a difference. |
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2024 Friends of Education Award Recipients
Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO, Northwestern Polytechnic, Zone 1: Peace River School Division
Bonnyville Friendship Centre, Zone 2/3: Northern Lights Public Schools
Manluk Global Manufacturing Solutions, Zone 2/3: Black Gold School Division
County of Lacombe, Zone 4: Wolf Creek Public Schools
Kids Only Shoppe, Zone 5: Foothills School Division
Congratulations to Our Recipients!
Zone 1Emily Elsenheimer: Nominated by Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Emily completed her first year of teaching at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Grande Prairie where she taught Math 10C, 10-3 and Math 30-2 along with Religious Studies 15. Emily employs a "thinking classroom" methodology and utilizes a diverse array of planning and instructional strategies to cater to the unique learning needs of each student. |
Zone 2/3Kate Jolicoeur: Nominated by Edmonton Public School Board Kate completed her first year of teaching at Soraya Hafez School in Edmonton where she taught grades 2 to 6 in the Interactions program - supporting students with special learning needs. Kate excels at building authentic relationships with students, families, and colleagues, creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. |
Zone 2/3Isabela Ramos: Nominated by Parkland School Division Isabela completed her first year of teaching at Graminia School in Spruce Grove where she taught Grades 1-5 Music, Kindergarten Music/PE, Grade 7 Math, and Junior High Physical Education. Isabela is a dedicated and versatile educator with a strong foundation in music and physical education. |
Zone 4Emily Wilson: Nominated by Chinook’s Edge School Division Emily completed her first year of teaching at Carstairs Elementary School in Carstairs where she taught grade 3 homeroom. She provides an engaging, inclusive environment with a natural ability to foster a positive and calm culture supportive of learning and belonging. |
Zone 5Eeshnah Qureshi: Nominated by Rocky View School Division Eeshnah completed her first year of teaching at W.H. Croxford High School in Airdrie where she taught grade 9 and 10 English as an Additional Language. Eeshnah’s warmth is palpable as she listens deeply to her students and encourages them to share their ideas. |
Zone 6Nikee Lecitona: Nominated by Grasslands Public Schools Nikee completed her first year of teaching at Brooks Junior High School in Brooks where she taught grade 7 STEM classes. Nikee provides a unique perspective and ability to build relationships with our students, while serving as a role model and example of perseverance. |
2024 Edwin Parr Teacher Award Recipients
Emily Elsenheimer, Zone 1: Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools
Kate Jolicoeur, Zone 2/3: Edmonton Public School Board
Isabela Ramos, Zone 2/3: Parkland School Division
Emily Wilson, Zone 4: Chinook’s Edge School Division
Eeshnah Qureshi, Zone 5: Rocky View School Division
Nikee Lecitona, Zone 6: Grasslands Public Schools