A music educator at Nicholas Sheran Elementary School has taken home a prestigious honour from the Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
Owen Sheedy has been recognized as the recipient of The Stan Morris Excellence in Handbell Teaching Award, 2026.
Morris was committed to developing handbell artistry and instilling the joy of music making in his students.
As the winner of the award, Sheedy will receive a $150 cheque from ALGEHR, a free one-year membership to ALGEHR and free registration for ALGEHR's 2026 virtually delivered Handbell Discovery event.
Sheedy will also have the opportunity to present a virtual handbell session at ALGEHR's 2026 Handbell Discovery, a half-day virtual event on Oct. 17, 2026.
Nicholas Sheran principal, Aaron Fitchett, nominated Sheedy for the honour.
"As the music teacher for our entire elementary school, Owen brings his love of music to life in our students' lives each day," said Fitchett. "Owen selects interesting and engaging activities for the students; he instils a joy and appreciation for music education around the school, and he inspires young people to make music a priority in their lives. As the director of our school's extracurricular Grade 4 Handbell Ensemble, Grade 5 Handbell Ensemble, and our Senior Choir, Owen dedicates his time before school each week to provide voluntary music enrichment for our community. These efforts, and so many more, demonstrate Owen's passion for music and promotion of learning for all students."
