bus drive

The Rainy River District School Board has presented its annual awards, recognizing some of the individuals who have played an important role in area schools and the education of students over the past eight months.

Evelyn Martin, who has driven a school bus for the past 19 years, was named the Board’s Bus Driver of the Year.

In presenting the award, Chief Executive Officer Heather Campbell noted that Martin has rarely missed a day of work.

Campbell, reading from remarks provided by Nikki Armstrong of the Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium, noted Martin’s dedication to safety.

“What truly sets Evelyn apart is not just her professionalism, but her kindness,” read Campbell.

“She is caring, patient, and consistently goes above and beyond in every part of her role.”

Krista Brusven of Rainy River was selected as Volunteer of the Year.

The chair of the Riverview School Council, who becomes chair of the newly amalgamated Riverview and Rainy River High School Council, has been an active member of the school community in Rainy River.

Board chair Kathryn Pierroz says she supported many school initiatives and events, including Day of Pink activities, track and field events, STEM nights, family barbecues, and other parent and guardian engagement opportunities.

“What makes Krista so remarkable is not only the countless hours she puts in, but the heart behind every one of those hours,” says Pierroz.

“Whether organizing meetings, planning events, preparing to serve meals, or helping bring families and schools together, Krista does it all with care, kindness and an unwavering commitment.”

Brusven could not be in attendance for the award, and she was helping out with a barbecue for the graduating students at Rainy River.

The Community Partner of the Year Award was presented to the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre.

Campbell says the centre’s staff has gone above and beyond in their commitment to student wellbeing, with their support of a student nutrition program through financial contributions, in-kind donations and personal involvement.

“About half of our students across the board, when surveyed, indicated they’d come hungry in the morning for various reasons,” says Campbell.

“And it’s through the generous support of this partnership that we have been able to continue our nutrition on weekends program, ensuring that students have healthy food beyond the school week.”

Campbell says staff also brought their expertise and enthusiasm into a cooking program that allows students to learn new cooking skills and an understanding of nutrition.

Two employees shared in the Employee of the Year Award.

Bobbi Morris, a Grade 7 teacher at Fort Frances Intermediate School, was cited as being a source of compassion and encouragement to a student whose family was going through some difficult times.

“Through it all, Bobbie provided unwavering support to a student, helping them guide them through change and uncertainty with remarkable grace and empathy,” says Pierroz.

“Her ability to recognize when students need support and then quietly step in with patience and care speaks volumes about the kind of person and educator that she is.”

Sharing the award was Kathleen Matheson, an Education Support Worker at the same intermediate school.

A co-worker described her as someone who builds connections with students, especially with a student who is deaf.

“Kathleen uses sign language throughout the school day, helping create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, not only for one student, but for the entire classroom,” says Pierroz.

“Kathleen’s tireless work ethic, empathy, patience, and ability to connect with students make her an invaluable asset.”

The Board also recognized the 25th anniversaries reached by three employees, while honouring eight others who retired at the end of this school year.