On Friday, May 2, the Northern Lights Public Schools Board of Trustees and ATA Local #15 celebrated the retirement of nine division staff, and inducted 15 new teachers into the ATA at neon-themed event at RCMP Century Hall in Glendon.
"It's always an exciting time when we can gather together and celebrate the dedication and contributions of our retiring staff members," said NLPS Board Chair Karen Packard. "The teachers, educational assistants, and administrators being honoured tonight have spent their lives building relationships and improving the lives of their students. Their impact will shine through in every student they've guided and colleague they've uplifted."
The nine retirees recognized at this year's celebration were:
- Evelyn Bourbeau, Ardmore School
- Trudy Cowan, Ardmore School
- Bill Driedger, Division Office
- Melanie Driedger, Duclos School, Bonnyville
- Karen Grygus, Ecole Plamondon School
- Lea Hodinsky, North Star Elementary School, Cold Lake
- James McDonald, Cold Lake High School
- Stacy Mercier, Duclos School, Bonnyville
- June Weldon, Ardmore School
Additionally, two teachers were recognized for their special contributions to their schools and the division. Stacy Sartain, from H.E. Bourgoin School in Bonnyville, was selected as the Board of Trustees' nominee for the 2025 ASBA Edwin Parr Teacher Award for outstanding first-year teachers.
Finally, Kathie-Lee Gibbons, who teaches Grade 1at Duclos School in Bonnyville, was highlighted for her receipt of the 2024 Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers.
