<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9ed1e8a4-65d1-4bf6-afe1-564ccf528567?fingerprint=ppb20260529230743" alt="2025 retirees" width="670" height="559" style="width:670px;height:559px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/fabaec63-8d66-4651-8d63-20a97cc8c4ef?fingerprint=ppb20260529230740" alt="2026 retirees" width="667" height="556" style="width:667px;height:556px;display:inline-block"><br><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Above left: 2024-25 retirees. Above right: 2025-26 retirees. </em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Black Gold has hosted its first ever recognition night event.&nbsp; The May 26 event was meant to honour long serving employees, retiring staff members, and the two recipients of the division’s annual awards.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the past, these individuals were announced at a fall kick-off event. The change to an evening and a springtime event was made to allow the division to ensure the focus of the evening was entirely on the individuals being honoured.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Tonight feels special,” </strong></b></i><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">said Devonna Klaassen, Board Chair, as she welcomed people to the event. </em></i><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It’s special not only because we are celebrating remarkable milestones and careers, but because this is the very first time we’ve gathered in this way as a Black Gold family. This recognition event gives us something different, something quieter, and more personal and intentional.” </strong></b></i><br><br><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Our commitment to staff is defined by our actions, and this event represents that truth,” </strong></b></i><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">says Michael Borgfjord, Superintendent. </em></i><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It is essential that we don't just value the tremendous dedication, professionalism, and expertise of our staff; we must intentionally and personally celebrate and honor the people who are the indispensable foundation of Black Gold School Division. Every long career, every retirement, and every daily contribution deserves this deep institutional respect and recognition, ensuring that all who work for us feel truly seen and valued.” </strong></b></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4f5c4ef6-956e-4c74-b644-9d9a52fb0929?fingerprint=ppb20260529230739" alt="25 year long service" width="434" height="434" style="width:434px;height:434px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/fd731e77-9484-44dc-ac77-15cd9c08c39a?fingerprint=ppb20260529230743" alt="30 year long service" width="434" height="434" style="width:434px;height:434px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/56a595e0-6d39-4b64-bf76-4a72bb308ec5?fingerprint=ppb20260529230743" alt="35 year long service" width="432" height="432" style="width:432px;height:432px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Above: 25, 30, and 35 year long service award recipients</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At the event, trustees recognized and celebrated:&nbsp;</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">15 staff members for 25 years of service</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8 staff members for 30 years of service</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 staff members for 35 years of service&nbsp;</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">36 staff members who retired in 2024-25</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 staff members who retired or are retiring in the 2025-26 school year</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient of the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence: </span><a href="https://www.blackgold.ca/news/black-gold-thanks-annual-division-award-winners-for-their-contributions-20260421172821" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jackie Bryan from the Black Gold Outreach School in Leduc</span></u></a></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient of the Board’s Inspiring Success Award of Distinction: </span><a href="https://www.blackgold.ca/news/black-gold-thanks-annual-division-award-winners-for-their-contributions-20260421172821" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sidney M’Sahel from Leduc Composite High School</span></u></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Tonight is simply about people,” </strong></b></i><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">said Klaassen. </em></i><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“The years of service are extraordinary, and the retirements so well deserved. But the countless ways each of you has contributed to the story of Black Gold and to the success of the students and communities we serve is priceless. Thank you for the care you have given, the relationships you have built, and the difference you have made.”</strong></b></i><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Black Gold intends to host this event annually in the spring moving forward. </span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9d33929a-7aa7-4ab7-a021-4c00432adbd1?fingerprint=ppb20260529230633" alt="Recognition Night1" width="638" height="638" style="width:638px;height:638px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/eb03d28b-a5cb-46f9-b80a-1d312c8f6db8?fingerprint=ppb20260529230612" alt="Recognition Night.2" width="641" height="641" style="width:641px;height:641px;display:inline-block"><br><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Above: Jackie Bryan with Superintendent Michael Borgfjord, and The Board of Trustees with Sidney M'Sahel</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other photos from the night: </strong></b><br><br></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1b23a35e-2662-4101-8ac3-8652208170f9?fingerprint=ppb20260529230612" alt="Recognition Night.3" width="441" height="441" style="width:441px;height:441px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/70707ff0-29ca-4bd8-b028-0354ccece626?fingerprint=ppb20260529230613" alt="Recognition Night.4" width="438" height="438" style="width:438px;height:438px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/92dd96bb-7fe8-4cc4-ba7b-c68729a559de?fingerprint=ppb20260529230617" alt="Recognition Night.6" width="585" height="433" style="width:585px;height:433px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43678d84-a76f-4ac6-9ccc-e616db1a4dbc?fingerprint=ppb20260529230616" alt="Recognition Night.5" width="634" height="470" style="width:634px;height:470px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/610fe591-3859-4ee4-8e41-116c0d7c9d79?fingerprint=ppb20260529230617" alt="Recognition Night.7" width="470" height="470" style="width:470px;height:470px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/959c64cc-8bb7-4cae-8182-38d3775711fe?fingerprint=ppb20260529230630" alt="Recognition Night.14" width="473" height="473" style="width:473px;height:473px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1b14f6be-91ce-4542-90dc-e66b35a420eb?fingerprint=ppb20260529230619" alt="Recognition Night.9" width="425" height="355" style="width:425px;height:355px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/24435828-c964-4860-b1b5-02d5c11c7009?fingerprint=ppb20260529230619" alt="Recognition Night.10" width="356" height="356" style="width:356px;height:356px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/354e71b3-f029-480d-bfa0-d64ea86998e4?fingerprint=ppb20260529230622" alt="Recognition Night.13" width="354" height="354" style="width:354px;height:354px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c0b5e8af-70d6-4324-92dc-074072e71ee5?fingerprint=ppb20260529230622" alt="Recognition Night.12" width="374" height="374" style="width:374px;height:374px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/c4326e53-56b0-4c80-b627-3edac6767621?fingerprint=ppb20260529230627" alt="Recognition Night.17" width="501" height="372" style="width:501px;height:372px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/6ea3e9b0-4029-433f-9d70-8dc227c9742c?fingerprint=ppb20260529230629" alt="Recognition Night.18" width="370" height="370" style="width:370px;height:370px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3b30e338-00aa-4836-9c9c-9351948a7e23?fingerprint=ppb20260529230630" alt="Recognition Night.19" width="326" height="326" style="width:326px;height:326px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/5bad4c9b-3fd5-433f-9a62-a08c6d0c5c51?fingerprint=ppb20260529230619" alt="Recognition Night.8" width="326" height="326" style="width:326px;height:326px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/7497c863-450a-4a9c-b6b9-8d085b708fc6?fingerprint=ppb20260529230626" alt="Recognition Night.15" width="324" height="324" style="width:324px;height:324px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><br><br></h3>