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The Halton District School Board is proud to announce that Kyle Stewart, a teacher at Georgetown District High School, has received the 2018 McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award from the University of British Columbia.

The McEwen Family Teacher Recognition Award was established to shine the spotlight on the contributions high school teachers make to students and communities through mentorship. The award celebrates teachers who go above and beyond teaching the curriculum to ensure students succeed not just academically but personally as well. 

The winning teacher receives $5,000 to spend on school enrichment activities, programs or development, along with $2,000 for professional development. Recipients are also asked to nominate a current high school student to receive a $5,000 scholarship to attend UBC. The UBC Applied Science student who nominated Stewart will receive $1,000 in recognition of their effort.

Stewart is honoured to receive such a prestigious award, and is especially moved that he was nominated by his former students. 

“This award is certainly a highlight of my career,” he says. “The fact that they took the time out of their busy lives to write beautiful letters on my behalf says more about who they are than me. I was truly humbled by their sentiments and the impact that I had on their lives. To be recognized in this fashion, and to have the opportunity to provide a Georgetown District High School student a $5,000 scholarship on behalf of the McEwen family to attend UBC, is incredible.” 

Paul Daignault, Principal of Georgetown District High School, says Kyle Stewart truly embodies the traits of a successful mentor in his role as an educator. 

 

“Kyle is a very deserving recipient of this award, as he is respected by the administration, staff and, most importantly, our students,” he says. “Kyle's work with students goes well beyond the classroom, as he has been coaching our very successful senior boys volleyball team here at GDHS for years. Also, his work with our equity committee and how he took on organizing and helping successfully implement our Relay For Life fundraiser are testaments to his mentoring ability.” 

According to the University of British Columbia: “By recognizing the often unnoticed contributions and achievements of high school teachers, the McEwen Family T​eacher Recognition Award highlights the importance of teachers to our communities and future generations. The award also encourages students to reflect on the impact their teachers had on their success, and provides financial support for both teachers and students.”