Don Denton/News staff
Great Teachers award event at Staples on Tolmie Street..From left, Don Routliffe, Marilyn Hodgson, Jamie Davis, Andrea Blair, Carlo Pellegrino, Gerry Denis and Don Descoteau.
Great teachers spotlights excellent educators Don Descoteau News staff
Looking around at those gathered to pay tribute to family, friends and colleagues, it was easy to tell we had three special people on our hands. The smiles were wide and some tears were shed as the crowd heard snippets of stories submitted by current and former students, as well as parents, who nominated Jamie Davis, Andrea Blair and Marilyn Hodgson for awards in the inaugural Black
Press/Staples Great Teachers campaign. The comments, shared during a celebration of the trio’s achievements held at Staples’ Tolmie Avenue store, helped paint a vivid picture of the level of devotion these three consummate professionals bring to their work on a daily basis in their schools. Some examples: “… I can truly say she will be one of the few teachers that will leave a forever lasting impression on both of my children …” (Hodgson)
Proud to support our teachers and schools across our communities Local Staples store managers Don Routliffe and Gerry Denis
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“… The time and effort she has put in to make music an option for my son is just incredible …” (Blair) “… He is the reason that I got into music in the first place, and the reason I am becoming a music teacher …” (Davis) For the celebration, Blair, music director at Gordon Head middle school, was boosted by the presence of her mother, who flew in from northern Alberta to be Cont. on next page