The Wild Rose School Division Board of Trustees have announced their nominee for the Zone 4 Edwin Parr Award.

The award is handed out on a yearly basis to first year teachers who show exemplary dedication and commitment to the education of their students.

Benjamin Southwick of Frank Maddock High School (FMHS) in Drayton Valley, was notified of his nomination last week and shared, “The thought that I am being nominated for the Edwin Parr is still sinking in and it’s a surreal feeling. I am honored that Wild Rose School Division has chosen me to represent them in Zone 4 and I am looking forward to learning as much as I can as I move through my career.” Southwick would also go on to thank his Principal, Dr. Lara Jollymore and Vice-Principal Heather Bartling for the consideration and for nominating him for the honour.

Lara Jollymore extended her congratulations to Southwick by saying, “On behalf of the staff and students of FMHS, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to Ben for this well-deserved nomination. Mr. Southwick has been an active teacher and colleague since joining us this fall. He has volunteered in many capacities throughout the school, has an engaging classroom and emphasizes having strong connections with those around him.”

Heather Bartling added, “Since day one of being at Frank Maddock, Mr. Southwick’s infectious energy and uplifting personality have made him a perfect fit for our athletic program and PE department. Our students and school have benefited from his coaching both volleyball and basketball to working with the Athletic Director to running tournaments and competitions for all of our teams. Mr. Southwick is there with a smile on his face, excited to put in the work to create as many opportunities as possible for the students at Frank Maddock.”

A recognition event will be held for all nominees from each division with a zone winner to be selected from those nominees. Zone 4 is made up of eight Central Alberta School Divisions, Battle River, Chinooks Edge, Red Deer Catholic Regional, Red Deer Public, Wetaskiwin Regional, Wild Rose and Wolf Creek School Divisions.