The Manitoba government recognized 14 Manitobans for their exceptional commitment to students at the Excellence in Education Awards, including the new Nello Altomare Award for Excellence in School Nutrition, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced on April 17.
"These professionals go beyond delivering curriculum. They build relationships, remove barriers and help every student succeed," said Schmidt. "From remote fly-in communities in northern Manitoba to adult learning centres in Winnipeg, this year's recipients demonstrate what dedication looks like in schools across our entire province."
A selection committee made up of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Manitoba Teachers' Society, Manitoba School Boards Association and Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools chose the recipients.
This year's recipients of Manitoba's Excellence in Education Awards are:
- Premier's Award for Excellence in Education: Karla Grobb, Douglas Hemmerling and Laurie-Anne Regula, Gonzaga Middle School, Manitoba Catholic Schools.
- Teaching Excellence Awards:
- Leanne Chornoby, Stevenson Island School, Frontier School Division.
- Kurt Hangle, Exchange Met School, Seven Oaks School Division.
- Dawn Knight, Pembina Trails Collegiate, Pembina Trails School Division.
- Outstanding New Teacher Award: Riley Paull, Stevenson School, St. James-Assiniboia School Division.
- Outstanding Team Collaboration Award: Danielle Iliffe, Rachel McKenzie, Ainsley Richardson and Erin Weekes, Sansome School, St. James-Assiniboia School Division.
- Outstanding School Leader Award: Barbara Reimer, Adult Learning Centres, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.
- Nello Altomare Award for Excellence in School Nutrition:
- Paul Augst, Ruth Hooker School, Lord Selkirk School Division.
- Joshua Hogan, Robert Smith Elementary, Lord Selkirk School Division.
New this year, the Nello Altomare Award for Excellence in School Nutrition was presented to a team of individuals working in public schools or school divisions who lead or participate in the delivery of school nutrition programming on a regular basis. The late Altomare, who served as education and early childhood learning minister, was a passionate advocate for Manitoba's students and families and oversaw the development and execution of Canada's first universal school food program. This award honours his legacy, Schmidt noted.
The Manitoba government launched the universal school nutrition program in fall 2024 to provide food in schools to all students across Manitoba. The Manitoba government continues to fund to school nutrition programming, with a particular funding focus on schools in communities with high socio-economic need.
Since 2006, Manitoba has recognized exceptional educators who have a special connection to students and whose work has a deep and lasting impact on student achievement, engagement and well-being, the minister noted.
Backgrounder : Excellence in Education Award Recipients
