The Good Spirit School Division Board of Education recognized staff at the Sturgis Composite School for their years of service and dedication to its students on November 15.
Mark Forsyth, Superintendent of Education was at the Sturgis School to present the awards, accompanied by Brad Cameron, principal.
Adeline Mills was presented a 10-year service award. Cecilia Sliva was presented a 20- year award and Cameron received a 30-year award.
Forsyth also presented two Sea Star awards, one to Katrina Wasylenchuk and the other award was presented to Teresa (Terry) Zawislak.
"Katrina Wasylenchuk has been a library technician at the Sturgis School of the past 32 years and was instrumental in the creation of the new library space," said Forsyth.
“She provides an engaging area for students to work and read. She promotes division and school programs by creating eye-catching displays which encourage the students to further research the topics and she goes above and beyond her call of duty by assisting with the canteen, the yearbook and answers computer related issues. She is always willing to give her time and energy to support student activities like drama nights, Christmas concerts, Christmas banquets, sporting events and graduation.”
Terry Zawislak has been an administrative assistant for 39 years at the Sturgis Composite School.
"She has seen many changes in her life," said Forsyth. "From a small country school to the Internet, from blackboards to smart boards; and from school registers to the student data system. She has experienced change many times through numerous school division amalgamations. Each time she exemplified the meaning of dedication by working hard to master the new processes which each division implemented. She is affectionately known by students and staff as Mrs. Z. She is always willing to give her time and energy to support the well being of students. She can be found tending scrapes and bruises when students come in from the playground, finding snacks for the child who came without a lunch and tending to a student when they are feeling ill.”
Forsyth concluded that “there is no doubt that each recipient exemplifies someone who makes a difference on a daily basis."
Good Spirit School Division employees are valued for their hard work and dedication to student success, said Forsyth.
The Board of Education recognizes the amazing work employees are doing on a daily basis and acknowledges it is the acts of kindness and the extra special personal touch for students that make the division extraordinary. All Good Spirit School Division employees are eligible to be presented this very special award.
The Sea Stars employee recognition awards program is based on the starfish story Making a Difference, where an old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. "Why do you bother?" the old man scoffed. "You're not saving enough to make a difference."
The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. "Made a difference to that one," said the young man.
