Barrhead winners of Exemplary Community Partner Awards

BARRHEAD - Tate McNelly and Dave Sawatzky were presented Exemplary Community Partner Awards on Jan. 10.

McNelly and Sawatzky have been approachable mentors to the students at Barrhead Composite High School for the last eight years.

The award recipients were celebrated at the Jan. 15 Pembina Hills School Division meeting.

“We're always happy when we have community members that are acknowledged for their work to support programming for our students,” stated Brett Cooper, Superintendent of the Pembina Hills School Division.

McNelly is known for his warm demeanour and his expert-level skills in professional work practices.

He knows the power and nuances of a handshake, how to use eye contact to your benefit and the importance of clear, concise communication.

Sawatsky is an enthusiastic individual and it easily spreads to the students he works with.

He challenges students to be quick thinkers and ready for anything, enhancing students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

The work environment can be intimidating for new students just starting to get into the workforce, but McNelly and Sawatsky make it a great experience.

Barrhead Composite High School teacher, Rebecca Carr, nominated the two volunteers who have supported activities within the Career and Life Management (CALM) program.

They have been available to talk with students and offer valuable on-the-job training.

Students not only gain real life work experience working in a business environment they get to practice skills they learned in the CALM program.

McNelly and Sawatzky provide insightful coaching to the students.

The students learn about the responsibilities with having a job, teamwork skills interacting with co-workers, quality customer services skills which all contributes to building a strong work ethic.

Anyone can submit a nomination for the Exemplary Community Partner Award.

Pembina Hills School Division is looking for nominations for people who make a big difference to the students, schools and the school division.

Nominations are open until May 26.

Nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year.

Questions about nominations can be made to Communications within the Pembina Hills School Division and they can be reached at 780-674-8567 or at www.pembinahills.ca/our-division/exemplary-achievement-awards.