Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce that this year's recipient of the Saskatoon Teachers' Association (STA) Service Recognition Award is Kelly Lacey, vice principal of Colette Bourgonje School. The Service Recognition Award acknowledges the long-term, effective and passionate service of a current or former STA member.
With 34 years of experience as a middle years' teacher and school-based leader, Kelly is known among her colleagues and peers as being an extraordinary educator and mentor, an educational trailblazer and a champion of student empowerment.
"Even in the early stages of her career, Kelly established herself as an innovator, leader and mentor to aspiring young teachers like myself," said Nicola Bishop-Yong, SPS superintendent of education. "I can vividly recall visiting Kelly and her colleagues at Forest Grove School, eager to learn from their middle years pilot and adopt their innovations in student engagement. Over the years, I followed Kelly's career, attentively listening to her wisdom at middle years professional development sessions and vice principal meetings."
Throughout her career, Kelly's dedication to education and her profound sense of compassion, responsibility and global citizenship have had an enduring impact on countless lives, from fellow teachers and administrators to students, parents and caregivers. She has played a crucial role in fostering and promoting inclusive and supportive learning environments in every school placement she has had, and she is a champion of student empowerment.
"I am humbled and grateful to be recognized with this Service Award, as I know I am encircled by exceptional educators who have worked with unwavering dedication, creativity and care while seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve," said Kelly. "I encourage all educators to know the tremendous responsibility and importance of this work while being gifted the opportunity to empower children and youth toward reaching their fullest potential as caring and inquisitive citizens."
This is the second year in a row the Service Recognition Award has been awarded to a Saskatoon Public Schools employee. Last year's recipient was Sherry Van Hesteren, a teacher at Nutana Collegiate. Sherry was nominated for her contributions to kindergarten to Grade 12 citizenship education pedagogy in the division.
