Every year, Black Gold Regional Schools (BGRS) hosts a Welcome Back and Long Services Award Ceremony on the morning of the first Division professional development day. The event, attended by all BGRS staff, provides a forum for central office administration and school trustees to share annual goals, acknowledge Division accomplishments, and to recognize long service award recipients. This year’s event was held on Friday, September 19, 2014 at Leduc Composite High School.

Highlights included:

The introduction of over 89 new staff and the acknowledgement of:

55 recipients for 5 years of service;

30 recipients for 10 years of service;

17 recipients for 15 years of service;

12 recipients for 20 years of service;

16 recipients for 25 years of service;

4 recipients for 30 years of service;

3 recipients for 35 years of service; and

1 recipient for 40 years of service.

Last year the Black Gold RegionalSchool Board introduced an award titled “Inspiring Success- Award of Distinction”. The inaugural award was presented to Dr. Norman Yanitski in recognition of his tireless efforts directed toward the promotion of Black Gold Regional Schools’ core purpose of “Inspiring Success”. This year’s award recipient isMrs. Cheryl Hafso. She isrecognized for her consistent exemplary work ethic, passion for teaching and her ability to share her teaching knowledge and enthusiasm with students and staff.Cheryl promotes quality education in a positive, healthy, safe and caring environment where all members respect, encourage and recognize each other as they strive toward their personal best. She is also the coordinator of the BGRS Healthy School Environment Initiative responsible for providing the guidance and leadership that has led to the healthy schools best practices being incorporated within all the Black Gold Schools. Congratulations Cheryl.

Also, Dennis Cebuliak, ateacher working at Leduc Composite High School, was recognized for his 40 years of service. Audience members demonstrated their appreciation by giving Dennis a standing ovation. Once again, congratulations Dennis.

Black Gold Regional Division No.18 is located directly south of Edmonton, extending from the New Sarepta area in the east, to the Warburg area in the west. It includes the municipalities of Beaumont, Devon, Thorsby, Calmar, and Leduc. With approximately 10,000 students enrolled in 30 schools BGRS teachers and support staff are committed to “inspiring success” in all students. For more information on Black Gold Regional Division No.18 and our schools, visit http://www.blackgold.ca .