Recipients from 2023-24

Harper Hyslop

River Heights Public School

Harper Hyslop’s achievements remind us that the littlest learners are capable of very big things. Harper, currently in Grade 1 at River Heights Public School, was in Kindergarten when she started thinking about the ways she could influence positive change in her community. Her initiative and generosity have led to impressive results. Inspired by a food drive her school was hosting, Harper decided the sky was the limit, and sold toys, gathered spare change, and collected bottles and cans from family and friends to raise $118.50 to donate to the Caledonia Community Foundation. A month later, coinciding with Remembrance Day, she donated an additional $155.30 to the Royal Canadian Legion. Why stop there, she thought.

Throughout the school year, she continued to raise funds and made triple-digit donations to Inclusions Development Services, the Caledonia Food Bank, and the Haldimand County Library to help fund summer programs for children. Her remarkable achievements resulted in Harper receiving the Young Leader of the Year award from the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce, recognizing individuals under the age of 35 who have made outstanding contributions to the community. Harper was honoured with a Learn Lead Inspire award for her big vision and goal setting, which has inspired her entire school community.

Emmerson Craig

St. George-German Public School

Last year, Emmerson Craig and her family faced a tremendously difficult situation. Emmy's baby brother Logan, just one year old, was diagnosed with a form of cancer, a journey which has brought many ups and downs. To help work through the experience, Emmy, a student in Kindergarten at St. George-German Public School, decided to share her family's story with her class. She wrote and illustrated a book about her brother's cancer struggle, with the goal of raising awareness and bringing hope and support to other young people facing cancer diagnoses. She focused on Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, which took place on February 15, and presented her story to the Leadership team, made up of students in grades 7 and 8 at the school. The inspiration grew from there. The whole school got behind the day, wearing yellow shirts and writing messages of hope that were shared with young people facing cancer at McMaster Children's Hospital. 

Grand Erie Kindergarten classrooms are places where the youngest students form a foundation for lifelong learning and develop a strong sense of who they are, and the positive difference they can make. Emmy exemplifies this – learning, leading and inspiring her entire school community to shine light and hope into the world. Emmy's story reminds us that we all have a chance to continue shining a positive light during challenging times.

Adriana Potichnyj, David Gervais and Pamela O’Halloran

In times of crisis, leadership and teamwork shine even more brightly. That was the case in December when Adriana Potichnyj, Vice-Principal at McKinnon Park Secondary School, answered a phone call that raised her concern. On the line was Joan Maloney, a recently retired, now casual Educational Assistant, calling about a work assignment, but her speech and inability to respond to questions that morning suggested she might be experiencing a stroke.

With the help of McKinnon Park’s office staff, Adriana determined that Joan resided in Waterford, more than half an hour away from Caledonia, but not far from Waterford District High School. Potichnyj quickly sought assistance from the administrative team there. Vice-Principal Dave Gervais answered the call, and sprang into action. Together with Principal Pam O’Halloran, the two visited Joan’s home, and upon arrival, confirmed further indicators of stroke. An ambulance was called immediately, and meanwhile, Pam was able to retrieve contact information for Joan’s daughter. Joan was taken to Brantford General Hospital, spent 19 days recovering, and was able to return home. The quick thinking, sound decision-making, wisdom and cooperation demonstrated that morning allowed these leaders to navigate through a complex, uncertain situation, and get a colleague crucial help. They are a true reflection of Grand Erie’s vision to Learn, Lead and Inspire.

Chiefs’ Positive Impacts

Gimaa (Chief) R. Stacey LaForme of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Chief Mark Hill of Six Nations of the Grand River were honoured during November’s regular board meeting with Learn Lead Inspire awards. The presentation of the awards was a chance to recognize the outstanding work each has contributed over the years, advocating for and enriching the educational experiences of Indigenous learners across Grand Erie, and for their leadership in helping the board work towards commitments to reconciliation. 

“As leaders focused on people and community, Gimaa LaForme and Chief Hill have helped us understand reconciliation on a much deeper level, and the ongoing work that is required of us in education,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “They have done so consistently with trust, friendship and mutual respect, and it’s an absolute honour to recognize their inspiring leadership paths.” 

Gimaa LaForme and Chief Hill are also former Grand Erie students, having attended Hagersville Secondary School and Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School respectively. Each chief is now concluding terms heading their elected councils, following many successful years of political leadership.