SUN WEST SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 207
Retired Teacher Posthumously Receives Jubilee Medal

Steve Mealey, a long-time educator, who passed away earlier this year, has been posthumously awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal. The medal was accepted on his behalf by his friends and colleagues, Chris Oscar, Principal of Westberry School in Kindersley and Colleen Oscar-Swan, the part-time Band Teacher at Elizabeth Middle School in Kindersley at a ceremony in Kindersley on December 2.

Mr. Oscar and Ms. Oscar-Swan accepted the medal from Ken Francis, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kindersley, who also nominated him for the award. The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal honours Queen Elizabeth II's commitment to service and pays tribute to Saskatchewan citizens who have devoted their time and effort to serving others in Canada, Saskatchewan and their communities. Saskatchewan residents were invited to nominate individuals they believe have made significant contributions to their communities and several thousand of these medals have been awarded around the province.

Pictures above: Centre: Steve Mealey. Left: Chris Oscar (right) and Colleen Oscar-Swan (centre) receive the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal on behalf of Steve Mealey from Kindersley MLA Ken Francis.

Mr. Mealey was among four individuals with a background in education nominated by Mr. Francis and they all received their awards with 36 other people from a variety of fields. Mr. Francis said of the education award recipients: "All these individuals have shown tireless dedication and commitment to their careers, students and communities in the Kindersley area. This group is very well known to me. From my youngest years of school in Eatonia, to the years my kids attended Sun West schools in Kindersley, this group has had a such a positive impact, on not just me and my family, but all the students and families in their respective school circles. I hope these medal presentations signify that the exceptional work (both past and present) of these individuals (and those like them), has been and continues to be valued and appreciated."

Mr. Mealey, who held a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin started his teaching career with the legacy Kindersley School Division in 1975. He helped establish several band programs in the Kindersley area. Although these band programs started small, they became very successful, largely because of Mr. Melaey's commitment to excellence. Over the course of 31 years, Mr. Mealey taught Grades 5-12 Band at Kindersley Composite School, Westberry School, Elizabeth School, Westcliffe School in Marengo, Eaton School in Eatonia and Rossville School in Coleville. He coordinated many band trips, giving his students opportunities to travel and perform across North America. He even had the honour of conducting a mass band from several schools, which performed for Queen Elizabeth during her 1987 visit to Kindersley.

Mr. Mealey remained active as a private music teacher and substitute teacher in the new Sun West School Division after his retirement in 2006. As a talented clarinetist and saxophonist, he performed in local groups which have toured across the province. He was recognized by the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association in 2020, when he was selected for the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Mr. Mealey's incredible influence can be measured by the success of his students; many of whom have been finalists at provincial and national competitions, were inspired to pursue music as a career, or have grown to become successful educators, performers and individuals themselves. Due to his positive influence over the course of 47 years, Steve Mealey was well-loved and greatly respected in the towns of Kindersley, Eatonia and in the surrounding communities. He brought music, inspiration, and love to the lives of numerous people over the years.

In accepting the Medal on Mr. Mealey's behalf, Mr. Oscar stated: "We know that he would be very proud to receive such an award of his outstanding service teaching band. His legacy endures today in the thriving school band programs in and around Kindersley."

Some of this article comes from an obituary published by Your West Central Voice. View the original source here.